Hero History
2003
Founded in 2003, Hero Certified Burgers paved the way as your not-so-average quick-service restaurant franchise chain.
What has defined the company from the beginning is our belief in using food that was raised in a sustainable manner. At Hero Certified Burgers we only source naturally raised 100% Seasoned Angus Beef from cattle raised in a free-range environment, grain fed (without use of animal by-products) and without additional hormones or antibiotics.
November, 2003
John F. Lettieri opened the first Hero Certified Burgers at Hazelton Lanes in the Yorkville district of Toronto, Ontario, on November 8th, with a city-wide party celebrating the debut of the Signature Burger.
2010
A record-setting sales promotion turned into an $8,000 donation to Toronto’s SickKids Foundation.
Hero Certified Burgers partnered with the online group buying site WagJag for a limited-time offer. We sold our Signature Burger combo – burger, fries and a fountain beverage – for $4.50, half the price.
The public response was enthusiastic, and when the 72-hour offer expired, 15,825 combos had been sold with 50 cents from each donated to the SickKids Foundation
2011
There is nothing really that tough and edgy about the B.A.D. Ride – the name is an acronym for Bikers Against Despair, and the ride raises money for the Toronto Distress Centres.
Hero Certified Burgers was honoured to sponsor the 14th instalment, offering a free 6 oz. hamburger and drink to all drivers who completed an in-person pre-registration.
2012
Bonjour!
Hero Certified Burgers is excited to announce its newest location! Hero Certified Burgers MTL, Montreal, Quebec. 2019 Bishop St., Montreal, Quebec H3G 2E8
Hero on Wheels
Delivering Hero Certified Burgers to streets and offices across the City of Toronto, our truck is not a shortcut but offers the full menu!
2013
Holy Cow!
A larger-than-life-sized, painted fiberglass cow stands in front of Hero Certified Burgers restaurants. Adopted from Mario’s Butcher Shop in Chicago, Illinois, the cow sculpture is now there for diners and community members to take photos.
April, 2013
Toronto city council brings Hero Certified Burgers to Nathan Phillips Square!
Following almost three hours of debate, the late former Mayor Rob Ford urged council to honour a tender process that saw Hero Certified Burgers win a five-year contract to operate a snack bar in the refurbished square.
2014
Hero Certified Burgers gave 300,000 people the chance to chomp down on the logo of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The combo was sold with a collectible cup featuring Leafs players like Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul, in partnership with Coca-Cola Zero and Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment.
July, 2015
2015
Hero Certified Burgers teamed up with ACE Bakery to create a Think Pink Burger in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A pink bun was created using beet juice, while the beef burger was topped with raspberry goat cheese and pink slaw. For every pink bun sold in Ontario during the campaign, $1 was donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, which in the end received more than $5,000.
2015
The Trillium Health Centre Pink Truck Tour visited two Hero Certified Burgers Mississauga locations to try our Think Pink Burgers and help #BeetCancer. $1 from every Pink Bun purchase went to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Ontario Region.
2015 - 2016
Hunger Heroes partnership with Heroes In Black
The organization and its volunteers fed close to 3,000 people through its Hunger Heroes initiative. What started as a one-time event has turned into a monthly event in which Hero Certified Burgers food products, clothing and blankets are handed out to the homeless.
2018
15 years of Hero Certified Burgers!
Enjoying your favourite menu items has never been more convenient. This year Hero Certified Burgers introduced the Hero App! With Hero Certified Burgers rewards, returning customers earn points on every order.
As a company, Hero Certified Burgers is known for its outstanding community involvement. Hero Certified Burgers put its support behind Mackenzie Health Foundation’s 4th annual Ride for Health on Sunday, June 3, 2018, at Copper Creek Golf Club.
2020
From all of us at Hero Certified Burgers.
As provinces made adjustments to their COVID-19 restrictions, the health and safety of our guests and restaurant team members remained our top priority. Hero Certified Burgers restaurants have varying levels of service and safety measures in effect that reflect the changes to provincial guidelines. Hero Certified Burgers is always taking extra precautions to keep everyone safe.
2023
20 years of Hero Certified Burgers!
Today, Hero Certified Burgers’ menu includes everything from Angus Beef Patties and Plant-Based options to Chicken and Seafood. Hero Certified Burgers also offers various poutine choices, Ontario-grown greenhouse tomatoes, and real cheese, also using non-GMO food items, such as portobello mushrooms and pickles.
There are approximately 50 restaurants (and counting) in Canada. Hero Certified Burgers celebrated its 20th anniversary on November 8th.
April, 2024
Launch of sustainable utensils
We’re thrilled to announce that Hero Certified Burgers is taking another step towards sustainability by introducing bamboo utensils at our locations. With this eco-friendly initiative, we’re not only reducing our environmental impact but also aligning with the growing demand for sustainable practices. Sustainable packaging means there is a way to do eco-friendly takeout, providing everything customers need to enjoy their meals without creating unnecessary landfill waste.
July, 2024
Wake Up to Delicious!
HERO Certified Burgers introduced an all-day breakfast menu, featuring mouthwatering choices like the Frank’s Sriracha Fried Egg sandwich paired with Hero Premium Iced Coffee. Whether you’re craving breakfast at noon or during the afternoon, HERO’s new menu is available all day. With expanded hours, customers can enjoy these delicious breakfast options whenever hunger strikes!
