What is your business called and what does it do?

Matt & Steve’s is proudly the only 100% Canadian made and Canadian-owned Caesar brand on the market. We craft premium Caesars, Ready to drink and Caesar mix. We also have a full line of pickled products, including our signature product, The Extreme Bean, along with The Asparagoos, Extreme Pickle Spears and Matt & Steve’s Baby Dills.

What problem did you want to solve with the business?

It all started with one simple idea: replace the celery stick with an Extreme Bean. We began pickling beans in our condo in Mississauga, and that was the start of our journey. That one idea has led us to where we are today—with a full lineup of pickled products, ready-to-drink Caesars, and Caesar mix, now available from coast to coast across Canada and in
several U.S. states.

Where in the city can we find your profession?

From coast to coast, Matt & Steve’s is proudly available at major retailers, including LCBO, Walmart, Sobeys, Metro, and Loblaws, along with restaurants, bars, and independent stores that champion local brands. We are also proud to be the Official Caesar Partner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, now available inside Scotiabank Arena, Coca-Cola Coliseum, and BMO Field. We have grown from a simple idea to a coast-to-coast presence with over 12 000 distribution points and listings in every major grocery chain.

What made you want to do this work?

Honestly, it started with curiosity. We were bartending, experimenting, and asking ourselves how we could make a great Caesar even better. Once we saw how people reacted, we knew we were onto something. From there, we took that idea on the road—traveling across Canada, meeting restaurants, bartenders, retailers, and Caesar lovers, and hearing their stories. That excitement and support from people coast to coast is what pushed us to keep going and turn a small idea into a brand.

Who are your clientele/demographics?

We do not chase demographics—we chase good times. If you love Caesars, pickled garnishes, and a little fun, you are our demographic. Pickled products and Caesars are loved across generations, cultures, and lifestyles, and our brand reflects that inclusivity. If you enjoy good times, good company, and a great Caesar, you are our people.

How does your business make money? How does it work?

We do not overcomplicate it. We make products we are proud to serve, that taste great, and that make people smile. When consumers connect with the brand and the moments around it, the business takes care of itself.

What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.

“Would you proudly serve this to your friends and family?”

Absolutely. Every product we make is something we are proud to serve and share ourselves. We obsess over quality and flavour, but we never forget to have fun with it. What we make is not about the product—it is about personality, good vibes, and the moments you remember long after you have enjoyed it.

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

I absolutely love what I do every day. Travelling across the country, showing up, sharing our story, and creating moments where people experience the brand firsthand is incredibly rewarding. Building emotional connections through fun, shared experiences is what drives me. There can be long days, but when the brand is part of who you are and the connections you make matter, it is always worth pushing through.

What is your favourite joke about your own profession?

The pickle and bean puns. We have heard them all… and yes, we’ve bean waiting for every single one.

Where can we follow you?

Website | Instagram

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?

Another local business we love: Sandbagger Hard Seltzer

The post Homegrown Business: Steve McVicker of Matt & Steve’s appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

With an extended fan base coast-to-coast and increasing popularity in the U.S., Matt & Steve’s is committed to its Made in Canada operations. This is a growing anomaly in today’s market, with 83 per cent of new, branded products launched in Canada being neither developed nor manufactured in Canada. Matt & Steve’s recently moved to a state-of-the-art-facility in Mississauga, where the team of 50+ employees takes the art of pickling to a whole new level.

What do you enjoy most about the industry you’re in?

SM: I have been in the retail and hospitality industry since I started working at the age of 13 as a dishwasher. I feel the industry attracts likeminded people who like to work hard while enjoying themselves along the way.

ML: I enjoy making something tangible; something people eat, enjoy and have fun with.

Best advice you have ever been given?

SM: Time is one thing you can never get back, and learn to say no.

ML: Evaluate cash investments in the business on the long-term return of that money not the initial pain it causes in the month or the quarter.

What is one trait you have, that you find has attributed to your success?

SM: Passion. When you have passion for what you are doing, that passion shines through and is very infectious to all the people you encounter, whether it be members of your team, your vendors or – ultimately – the end user.

ML: Intuitive, decisive, tenacious and being creative

What is the lesson you took the longest to learn?

SM: That I can’t do everything. I am getting better at passing along responsibilities and accountabilities to others so I can focus my time and energy on my strengths.

ML: To wrap plans around people’s skills, not people around plans. I have learnt that everyone has a genius and it is my job, with the help of the person, to find that genius and apply it to company’s needs. The person is super happy because, who doesn’t love doing what they are really good at, and the company is better off because these functions, initiatives or goals are being performed by the best person in your organization to accomplish them.

What makes it all worth it?

SM: What makes it worthwhile for me is building it – the company itself and the brands we have created – and then to receive such positive feedback from our customers.

ML: Every time we break through the next level of business, whether that’s a sales goal or talent acquisition, or lunching a new product. It’s a rush.

What long term goals do you have for Matt & Steve’s?

SM: Last year there was one jar of Extreme Beans consumed every 11 seconds, we want to get that down to one jar every second. We have a lot hustle ahead of us to get there!!

ML: I would like to be a household name in Canada and the U.S.

How do you balance your work and personal lives?

SM: I Don’t, I feel it all blends together for me. Enjoy every min of the ride

ML: I do not think balance works in the traditional sense as a business owner. I think integration makes more sense. My family is part of my work. I often incorporate business trips with my wife or events with my kids. When running a growing company, I believe integration is much more realistic then balance. I am not sure as a small business owner you are truly allowed to check out.

The post Homegrown Business: Matt & Steve’s – The Creators of The Extreme Bean appeared first on Toronto Guardian.