“We have so many things in this country to be positive about. Dwell on the beautiful things that this great country of ours has to offer.” – Jack Rabba
Jack Rabba, founder of Rabba Fine Foods, was named on November 18 2021 Entrepreneur of the Year by Canadian Immigrant Magazine, as well as one of the Top 25 Canadians honoured by the same magazine for his inspiring story and leadership since immigrating to Canada. In its 13th year, the awards program recognizes inspirational immigrants who have made a positive impact in their communities, including success in business.
“I am deeply honoured to be recognized alongside so many Canadians who are working tirelessly to make our country a better place,” said Jack Rabba. “We are blessed to play a role in strengthening the neighbourhoods and communities in which we live. We take our responsibility to heart – and I’m not alone in embracing this task. I wish to extend my congratulations and thanks to all of the people at Rabba Fine Foods and all its associated wholesale, food and real estate businesses.”
Jack Rabba was born in the Middle East into desperately impoverished conditions. During his youth, Rabba’s father was bedridden and, at age 13, he had to take any job he could find in restaurants and hotels to support his parents and siblings. These jobs afforded him an opportunity to serve visitors from many nations, but it was the compassion and kindness of Canadians that sparked in him an undying love for the country even before his arrival. Rabba immigrated in 1966 with only the promise of a clerical job at a hotel, clothes on his back and his Canadian aspirations. Unwilling to take this opportunity for granted, he spent every moment focused on building a better life. He and his wife Ingrid were married at Old City Hall while they were both on their lunch break and soon afterwards he got a jobas a convenience store manager. Working long hours, Rabba was able to put a down-payment on a small convenience store in the heart of Toronto. He helped his parents and young siblings to immigrate a few years later and continued to carry his immigrant family on his shoulders while building a successful neighbourhood business.
As his business grew, Rabba realized Torontonians were looking for more variety, so he expanded the store. Customers liked the new selection and so the small store became multiple neighbourhood markets. In 1985, Rabba renamed the chain and launched Rabba Fine Foods. Today, there are 35 locations across Ontario.
Jack Rabba has created countless jobs and he continues to give opportunity to, mentor, and support new Canadians. Through his companies and the Rabba Roots Community Program, Rabba has been a proud contributor to charitable and community organizations over the years. Examples include donations to Trillium Health Partners, most recently supporting Trillium’s ICUs, as well as food and financial contributions to The Mississauga Food Bank. Throughout it all, Rabba remains a fiercely proud Canadian who still helps immigrants establish themselves in the great nation he idolized as a youth.
The top final 75 were selected by a distinguished panel of judges, and the top 25 by popular voting, held from July 26 to September 17. The complete list of Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award honourees, including a personal message from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, can be found online at canadianimmigrant.ca . More information on the Entrepreneur of the Year award is also available on the same website – or here.
About Rabba Fine Foods
Rabba Fine Foods is a local market and convenience store that serves the daily grocery needs of more than 35 neighbourhoods in the central and western parts of the GTA. Open year round, 24 hours a day, Rabba offers everything you’d expect from your local market – fresh produce, deli counter, ready-to-eat items, bakery, dairy products and other essential supplies for home or work. A family-run business with roots extending back to 1967, Rabba is committed to serving its neighbours and friends in the GTA and meeting their ever-changing grocery and convenience needs. For more information on Rabba or any of its locations, visit rabba.com.
About Canadian Immigrant
Attracting more than 400,000 readers each month and over 100,000 visitors a month online, Canadian Immigrant is a national multimedia organization to help immigrants succeed in Canada, with content, resources and events on careers, education and settlement. Canadian Immigrant is the producer of the cross-country Canadian Immigrant Fairs. Canadian Immigrant is a division of Metroland Media Group, a dynamic media company with more than 100 community and daily newspapers in print and online, as well as innovative websites including wheels.ca, goldbook.ca, save.ca and localwork.ca. Learn more at canadianimmigrant.ca.
For more information:
Mary Moniz
Torchia Communications
647-278-0152
mary@torchiacom.com