Our Story

In the first half of the 20th century the corner of St. Urbain and Mont-Royal was the heart of Montreal’s Jewish garment district. The Bancroft Stationery store, established in 1891, stood on the corner selling candy and school supplies

In 1942 young newlyweds Hymie and Freda Sckolnick took over the store and started serving food for the garment workers at the nearby factories. Freda produced the fastest and best food in the district, and soon Bancroft Stationery became a busy lunch counter. In fact, the Sckolnicks’ weekday lunch customers liked their food so much that they missed it on their days off. They began to appear at the store on Sundays for a late breakfast. Hymie and Freda happily opened the store for their friends and neighbours, and Montreal’s Brunch was born.

Bancroft Stationery became Bancroft Coffee Shop, but everyone in the neighborhood called it “Beauty’s” - “Beauty” being Hymie’s bowling nickname. Freda created the Beautys Special & the Mishmash, and the famous Beautys brunches were drawing crowds from all over the city. Hymie kept the waiting customers happy with his trademark warmth and humor.

In the 1960’s, Hymie & Freda’s only son Larry joined his parents behind the counter. Larry built upon the foundation laid by his parents by adding a creative touch to everything from the menu to the decor, creating the signature look and taste of Beautys today. Since 1942 Beautys has served fresh, homemade food in the same location. The children, grand-children and great-grandchildren of Beautys original customers line up every day for Montreal’s best breakfast, brunch and lunch. Beautys reputation has spread far and wide, and customers visit from all over the world to enjoy Beautys quality and hospitality.

When you step into Beautys today you will find Hymie and Freda’s granddaughters and great-grandchildren standing proudly behind the counter alongside their father and grandfather Larry. And today as in 1942, Hymie’s greeting to all of his customers is as true as ever:

“You’re always welcome!”