Cardinal Meats, based in Brampton, Ontario, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, having growing from a regional processor into a national supplier, best known for its signature beef burgers, and fully cooked products that have become staples in Canadian restaurants and households.
The company, still family owned and operated, has built its reputation on delivering consistent quality at scale–earning long-standing partnerships with major national retailers and foodservice operators.
“This anniversary is about much more than a number,” said Brent Cator, President and Owner, Cardinal Meats. “It represents 60 years of building Cardinal Meats as a brand Canadians recognize for quality burgers and trusted protein products–and more than 100 years of family experience in the meat industry that continues to shape how we operate today.
“Our history gives us a strong foundation and perspective. Our future is about being trusted and proudly Canadian – while our team of wonderful talented people, continue to deliver the burgers and innovative meat product solutions, Canadians have relied on for generations.”
Cardinal Meat’s industry milestones include:
1966 – Cardinal Meats company founded by Ralph Cator in Mississauga
1986 – Developed the now, industry standard Tenderform Burgers
1988 – Launched Canada’s #1 Premium Branded Burger: Roadhouse
1990 – North America’s 1st Sous Vide processor: Kettle Cooked
1998 – Cardinal becomes Canada’s first HACCP-recognized, diverse protein solutions processor, setting a national food safety benchmark
2003 – Introduces 1st DNA lab technology for advanced meat microbiology testing
2008 – First to introduce N60 testing, setting North America’s new standards for CFIA and USDA ground beef safety policies
2010 – Developed 1st in World Natural Texture Forming (NTF) burger capabilities
2011 – Opening of current Cardinal head office at Hedgedale Rd. in Brampton
2012 – Invention & commercialization of the first stuffed burger
2018 – Cardinal purchased The Elite Meat Company
2019 – Cardinal launches world-leading new innovations with inline Safe Sous Vide capabilities
2023 – Cardinal Meat’s Stanfield Rd. location in Mississauga merges with the Hedgedale Rd. location in Brampton
2025 – Cardinal celebrates Cator-family centennial legacy in Canadian meat industry
2026 – The Cardinal Meats brand celebrates 60 years of innovation, leadership, and industry impact
To commemorate the milestone, Cardinal Meats is launching Ralph’s Diner Burger, the original product that marked the company’s entry into foodservice.
“The same values that guided Cardinal in 1966 still guide us today,” said Cator. “Integrity, respect for people, relentless improvement, and pride in what we make.”
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