founders’ story

Mr. Chow and Mr. Wong, both immigrants to Canada, started their journey working at separate Chinese BBQ meat shops in Vancouver's Chinatown. Despite being in different workplaces, they often found themselves taking breaks in the same alley, where they struck up a friendship.

They quickly discovered they had much in common—both had roots in neighboring hometowns in China, had followed a similar path from China to Hong Kong before settling in Canada, and had honed their craft in Hong Kong's renowned BBQ shops. With young families to support and a shared dream of building something of their own, their casual alleyway conversations soon turned into something bigger. One day, they decided to take a leap of faith and open their own shop together.

The first ten years were anything but easy. Success required not only skill but also an unshakable partnership and perseverance. Through hard work and determination, they built a business that would stand the test of time—one that continues to serve the community and their families for generations.

history

Dollar Meat Store opened its doors in 1971 and has since become a multi-generational family business.

As the shop thrived, the second generation grew up immersed in the Chinatown community. Their journey began with weekend cleanup duties, gradually evolving into serving meats and building relationships with longtime customers.

After pursuing post-secondary education, they returned to the family business full-time, applying their knowledge while learning the ins and outs of operations. Today, they carry on the legacy, ensuring that Dollar Meat Store remains a cornerstone of the community.

milestones

  • Shortly after opening, Dollar Meat Store and other BBQ meat shops in Vancouver’s Chinatown faced strict enforcement of food safety regulations. Traditional BBQ meats, cooked in the morning and kept warm throughout the day, did not align with city standards, leading to forced closures. The crackdown threatened both livelihoods and cultural traditions, sparking local protests advocating for the preservation of Chinese culinary heritage and the economic well-being of the community.

  • As the movement gained momentum, the issue reached the federal level. Mr. Wong traveled to Ottawa to fight for the recognition and protection of traditional BBQ meat preparation, ensuring that this cultural practice could continue.

  • To meet growing demand and comply with regulatory standards, the business expanded by opening a federally inspected food processing plant, Dollar Manufacturing Inc. This allowed for increased production and a wider range of products, enabling distribution beyond the Vancouver retail shop to customers across Canada.

  • Dollar Meat Store celebrated 50 years of serving the community, marking a milestone in its rich history of resilience and tradition.

  • Today, Dollar Meat Store remains one of the few legacy businesses in Vancouver’s Chinatown, continuing to uphold its commitment to quality, tradition, and community.