Abe Toulany is co-owner of Leo’s Donair, a Nova Scotia-based manufacturer and wholesale supplier of donair meat serving pizza shops, restaurants, and retail grocers across the province. Built on a family business that began in 1981, the company supplies a wide network of commercial and retail clients from its operation in Timberlea. We spoke with Toulany about the business, its origins, and what continues to drive it forward.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Our business is called Leo’s Donair. We are a manufacture of Donair meat. We are the leading Donair supplier in Nova Scotia. We supply Donair meat to pizza stores and restaurants. Also, we have a retail line to sell to grocery stores, farm markets, meat markets, convenience stores, etc.
What made you want to do this work?
Growing up in a family business, it was in my blood. Watching my parents, Leo and Jean Toulany, working endless hours was motivation in itself. They instilled hard work into my siblings and me. Ray Toulany, Diana Toulany, Nadine Toulany. This was an education in itself. Starting off in a grocery and butcher shop, we quickly learned what hard work and customer service was about. We are proud to build Leo’s Donair to what it is today since 1981.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Pizza Stores: Pizza Town Franchises, Jessy’s pizza Franchises, Tony’s Donair Franchises, Nayya’s Franchises, Pizza Delic Franchises, Martha’s Franchises, Burnside Pizza, Revana Pizza, Hungry Hut, Toulany’s Pizza, Metro Pizza, Daddy Green’s Pizza, Luigi’s Pizza, Mila Pizza, Magic Pizza, Passage Pizza, Annapoli Pizza, Pizza Time, D and W Swimmers, Zesty Pizza
Retail clients: Withrow’s Farm Market, Oulton’s Farm Market, Masstown Meat Market, The Pork Shop, Stirling Farm Market, Nichols Farm Market, Abercrombie Variety, Sam’s Valu Foods, O’Bees Food Market, Whales Back Country Store,
Cavicchi’s Meats, Free Range Store, Arthur’s Urban Market, Brother’s Pepperoni, Cambridge Convenience, Whistleberry Market, Hennigar’s Farm Market, Cape Breton Food Hub
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We wholesale Donair ready products to restaurants and to various business operations.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
1920 Saint Margaret’s Bay Road, Timberlea B3T 1C3
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
What ingredients are in your Donair products?
100% meat. Donair authentic spice blend
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
Love meeting new people. In all parts of the world. With Donair being the official food of Halifax, it gives us great pride to produce the late-night meal. All in all, I love to see people succeed.
I have no worst parts. 🙂
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
You can take the Maritimer out of Nova Scotia, but you can’t take the Donair sauce stains out of the shirt.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Facebook | Instagram
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
The Halifax Honey Company
