Uniquely Canadian

Rolling into the Big Leagues

Grant takes a big leap and builds the very first BeaverTails "store" — a cozy 15’ x 15’ wooden booth in the heart of Ottawa’s historic ByWard Market. Small but mighty, this little booth quickly becomes a local favourite, serving up warm, handcrafted pastries with a side of Canadian charm. Decades later, it’s still there — still tiny, still busy, and still making BeaverTails pastries like the day it opened.

Hitting the Ice

Grant and Pam roll out the very first BeaverTails operation on Ottawa’s iconic Rideau Canal Skateway. What starts as a single stand on the frozen canal quickly becomes a full-blown winter tradition. Within just three years, four pastry huts are serving skaters along the 7.8 km stretch — with up to 350 energetic crew members bundling up and braving the cold to spread warmth, smiles, and sweet treats all season long.

A Sweet Leap into Montreal

Grant and Pam take the plunge and open the very first BeaverTails location outside of Ottawa — right inside Montreal’s La Ronde amusement park. It’s a bold move and a brand-new adventure. But bringing a new treat to a new city isn’t always smooth sailing. That first summer? Let’s just say it wasn’t our busiest. Still, every great story has its humble beginnings — and this one was just warming up.

New City, New Energy

Pam, Grant, and their partner Andy Cullen bring fresh energy to La Ronde by recruiting a driven Montreal college student named Pino Di Ioia to help lead the charge. Tasked with building a strong crew of managers, Pino dives in — and with creative programs to introduce BeaverTails pastries to the Montreal crowd, things start to turn around. 

From Summer Job to Legacy

As a university student, Pino Di Ioia managed the first BeaverTails stand outside Ottawa at La Ronde in Montréal. What began as a summer job quickly grew into a passion. The stand was converted into a franchise, and Pino stepped up as owner. Over the years, he rose from franchisee to master franchisee — and eventually, to CEO. His journey helped shape the brand and spread the magic of BeaverTails to fans around the world.

A Sweet Turnaround

In a stunning comeback, BeaverTails became the second-highest-grossing operation in La Ronde. What began as a quiet start quickly turned into a fan-favourite success story

A Family Affair

By the 2000s, BeaverTails entered a new chapter as Pino Di Ioia, his wife Tina Serrao, and twin brother Anthony Di Ioia took the lead. They relocated the headquarters to Montreal, streamlined operations and strengthened the brand's focus on quality and community. Their leadership transformed BeaverTails into the beloved, experience-driven community it is today.

A New Chapter Begins

The Di Ioia brothers and Tina step up as majority owners of BeaverTails Canada Inc., bringing fresh vision to the brand’s future. Grant and Pam remain close to the heart of the story, keeping a strong minority stake and exclusive rights in Canada’s National Capital Region — the place where it all began.

Presidential Pit Stop

Ahead of President Barack Obama’s first visit to Canada, the Hookers sent a warm invitation to swing by the original BeaverTails stand in Ottawa’s ByWard Market. To everyone’s surprise (and delight), the President saw the note — and asked his motorcade to make an unscheduled detour. The visit made headlines, and the photo-op became an iconic moment in BeaverTails history. You can see the invitation and photo Here. 

From Treat to Tradition

With 50 iconic shops in bustling tourist towns and resort villages, plus over 150 mobile and express locations at amusement parks, zoos, fairs and festivals across North America, BeaverTails is always within reach. No matter where the adventure takes you, we're ready to serve up a delicious experience.