About Us
Working in his father’s butcher shop as a child in the 1940s, Reuben Warren learned that quality product, hard work, and an understanding of your customer are the keys to success. Reuben was set to be the third generation Warren working his families butcher shop in St. John’s. But, as fate would have it, at the age of 18 he sparked his own enterprise with his pickled products.
In 1955, Reuben formally established Warren’s Pickled products. As a sole proprietor, Reuben would produce, sell and distribute his pickled products by himself. He was so efficient in his production it is said he could peel 27 hard-boiled eggs a minute! From its modest beginnings of supplying bars and lounges with pickled eggs, tongues and pork hocks he grew the business into the brand we all love today.
Newfoundland and Labrador in the 1950s was a melting pot of cultures as European fishers and military would frequent St. John’s harbour. It was at this time Reuben met the acquaintance of a German gentlemen who helped him craft his pickled wiener recipe – a recipe he still holds as secret to this day. It was from this relationship the term “What a Grog Bit”, and the character that exists on our labels today was introduced to Warren’s Pickled products. As the story goes, sailors would have a small piece of sausage or meat along with a shot of spirits in the evening and would proclaim “Man, What a Grog Bit.” This compliment, that was bestowed by Reuben’s foreign visitor, is part of the tradition to this day.
Today, you can find Warren’s pickled eggs and wieners at your favourite grocery and convenience stores, and they are still a great grog bit. Through the years, one thing has remained true to the Warren family business in the 1940s – a quality product should always be the top priority.
A HISTORY IN FOOD SERVICE
Smith Snacks was founded in 1971 in Norman’s Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador, by Howard Smith, with the purpose of delivering fresh made sandwiches to the city of St. John’s. Mr. Smith prepared the products daily at home and then drove his catering unit 100 kms to St. John’s to meet with clients and personally deliver his products. With fresh products and direct customer service, the business grew rapidly.
In 1985, Mr. Smith expanded Smith Snacks by launching a wholesale division that offered Smith Snacks’ core product line. In 1994, the catering units were phased out completely.
A family owned and operated business, Smith Snacks was founded on good old fashioned family value and ideals. It still operates that way today.