A Culinary Legacy Honoured
TORONTO – The unmistakable sizzle of peameal bacon at Carousel Bakery has long drawn visitors to Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market. Now, the duo behind that signature scent — brothers Robert and Maurice Biancolin — have been officially recognized with one of the city’s highest honours.
Mayor Olivia Chow awarded the Key to the City to the Biancolin brothers in a heartfelt ceremony celebrating nearly five decades of service, tradition, and culinary excellence.
From Local Favourite to Global Fame
Founded nearly 50 years ago, Carousel Bakery became world-renowned for its iconic peameal bacon sandwich — a dish now celebrated globally as “Canadian bacon.” Over the years, the bakery has been featured in countless media outlets and praised by some of the world’s top chefs.
“Peameal bacon was invented at St. Lawrence Market – and is now known as Canadian bacon all around the world,” said Mayor Chow. “For half a century, Carousel Bakery has been home to world-famous peameal bacon sandwiches.”
The brothers also played a role in the revitalization of the St. Lawrence Market, helping turn it into a thriving, internationally recognized destination for local food culture.
Carousel Bakery owners Robert Biancolin and Maurice Biancolin honoured with a Key to the City
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— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) July 15, 2025
A Heartfelt Farewell and Lasting Tribute
As Robert and Maurice prepare to retire, the Key to the City not only celebrates their culinary contributions but also their enduring role in shaping the character of downtown Toronto.
“We are thrilled to be receiving the Key to the City from Mayor Olivia Chow,” the Biancolins said in a joint statement. “It is an honour that reflects the legacy we’ve been proud to build at the St. Lawrence Market. The Key to the City will always be a reminder of our hard work, dedication, and a meaningful nod to our famous peameal bacon sandwich.”
Toronto’s Highest Civic Honour
The Key to the City is the most prestigious award a mayor can grant, reserved for individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to civic life. It represents the spirit, pride, and identity of Toronto through the work of its most dedicated residents.
To learn more about the honour or to nominate someone, visit the official Key to the City page or submit nominations via Mayor Olivia Chow’s website.
As Carousel Bakery prepares to turn the page, the Biancolins’ legacy will remain etched into Toronto’s culinary and cultural identity — one sandwich at a time.
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