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St-Hubert BBQ, an iconic Quebec chain that has just been sold to the Ontario company that operates Swiss Chalet restaurants, has been delivering barbecued chicken dinners to Montreal since the 1950s.

A timeline:

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1951: Founders Hélène and René Léger open the first St-Hubert BBQ on St-Hubert St., and go on to pioneer home-delivery service in Canada.

Photo by Photo: Henri Rémillard / City of Montreal Archives

1965: There are now five restaurants in the chain. A commercial version of its secret BBQ sauce hits the market. The company uses a fleet of yellow Volkswagen Beetles, providing delivery at no extra charge. Its rooster-logoed delivery vehicles are still easily recognizable on Montreal streets.

1967: The company sees an opportunity in the huge crowds that will converge on Expo 67. It opens two restaurants on the site. Using radio and TV ads, it hooks Quebecers with a catchy jiggle that begins with the words, “ring, ring, ring.”

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