Inuit-owned, northernmost BeaverTails opens in Iqaluit
Man offers $250 food centre donation for right to be first person served at new outlet
Spencer Dewar, left, and BeaverTails franchise owner Gabriel Choquette celebrate the opening of the city’s new BeaverTails location at the Arctic Winter Games Arena Friday. Dewar offered to make a $250 donation to the Qajukturvik Community Food Centre for the honour of being Choquette’s first customer. (Photo by Jeff Pelletier)
They’re doughy, deep-fried and open for business in Nunavut.
BeaverTails is now a coast-to-coast-to-coast operation with the opening of its northernmost shop in Iqaluit last week.
About a dozen people showed up to the Arctic Winter Games Arena Friday morning as franchise CEO Gabriel Choquette and his staff served up the first batch of the sweet treats.
“It’s the most northern BeaverTail that you’re ever going to have, and that’s why we think the BeaverTail here is going to be a lot more special than any other BeaverTail in North America,” Choquette said in an interview.
The flat, oblong pieces of dough get their name because they resemble the tail of Canada’s national animal. They covered with toppings, such as cinnamon and sugar, or hazelnut spread with bananas, or Reese’s Pieces, for example.
BeaverTails have been around since 1978 when they were first sold at a craft show in Killaloe, Ont.
Around the same period, the company opened its first BeaverTails stands in Ottawa in the ByWard Market as well as on the Rideau Canal Skateway.
There are now more than 150 BeaverTails locations worldwide, mostly in Canada but also in the United States, United Arab Emirates and Japan.
BeaverTails have previously been available in the North on special occasions such as Nunavut Day or Canada Day events.
Choquette, who owns other businesses in Iqaluit, said the opening of his BeaverTails outlet has been more than a year in the making.
The idea came from one of his business partners to open a BeaverTails stand in the canteen area of AWG Arena, which is a busy place year-round with hockey in the winter and day camps and turf activities in the summer.
The process included figuring out how to transport the products from the south via sealift and plane, and learning how to make the product from corporate headquarters, which is in Montreal.
The menu also includes other items such as hot dogs, poutine, hot chocolate and slushies.
“We should always be able to deliver a good product out the door, which would mean consistency, and then all the clients or customers will know what they’re getting when they’re coming here,” Choquette said.
Spencer Dewar made the first BeaverTail purchase at the new location Friday.
He offered a $250 donation to the Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre if Choquette would let him be first.
“It was truly spectacular, I’m running on a sugar high at this point,” Dewar said of the Oreo and vanilla frosting BeaverTail he ordered.
“I spend a lot of time in this rink, so I’m just happy to see that there’s a business here.”
Overall, Choquette is excited about getting his BeaverTails location open.
“It’s important to show that we’re Inuit-owned and operated,” he said.
Choquette also floated the possibility of more locations in the future.
“This is only one,” he said.
“We’re going to open all across the North and, I think, the other territories.”
A BeaverTail made with hazelnut spread and Reece’s is ready to be served. (Photo by Jeff Pelletier)
Awesome to see! Good job Gabe. I look forward to trying it.
No matter what you call it, and now matter what marketing you do, this “Beaver Tail” stuff is again just junk food and ultraprocessed food (UPF).
Don’t let the cunning branding bring patriotic feelings. The product is nutritionally bankrupt and has no valid purpose anywhere in Canada. This restaurant is just as utterly useless as our existing “Greasy Spoon” (The Snack), which also seems to have artery-clogging as its core mandate and which pours out stinky fumes from its griddle. These restaurants cranks out UPFs with reckless abandon and high profit margins.
With shocking levels of obesity and diabetes up here in the Arctic, along with also gastrointestinal issues and myriad other health-related issues (including certain cancers which are tied to poor diet, and now dementia is also tied to fried foods too, all in addition to heart attacks and strokes all being traceable to bad dietary choices), Nunavutians (and Canadians as a whole) urgently need to get their act together in terms of focusing on food for NUTRITIONAL VALUE FIRST.
Given that processed foods are widely manipulated to be addictive, it is intrinsically unwise to eat such foods as a “treat” because of their “flavour”.
Instead, all foods worth eating should be a “treat” in terms of nutritional value for the body. There is no need to eat junk food “because it tastes good”, simply because it is entirely possible to have healthy foods that also taste good. Such foods, in fact, were what Indigenous people (all around the globe) ate for many years!
Also, our grocery stores really need to be revamped entirely. We need to get rid of all the sugary, fatty, salty, ultraprocessed foods. Get rid of cookies, pastries, baked goods, and branded sugary breakfast cereals. Get rid of all the sugar-water stuff too. Bring in a wide range healthy foods, in bulk bags, including healthy whole grains and pulses and seeds, country foods, dried fruit and vegetables, and so on.
Additionally, we need strong laws to wipe out the advertising and marketing of junk foods and UPFs. These foods should be just as “debranded” as cigarettes are today (in both Canada and Australia). Also, the same urgently needs to be done for alcohol (which, again, is just as harmful as UPFs).
You open a health food store then
Go open a nutritious business then
Boohoo….start your healthy business then . As if your magical keyboard warrior post is making a difference.
GFY
K cool but what are “Nunavutians” ?
Disappointed with the missed opportunity to call the pharmacy inside the Frobisher “Astro Pills”
You know, no one is forcing you to eat there. And people who DO eat well can still have and enjoy treats like this.
I bet you’re real fun at parties.
I can make all these decisions for myself. I don’t need your help or any social engineering modifications from your advertising/propaganda.
It’s a free country. The only time those freedoms matter, is when people you don’t like are doing things you don’t like.
You make your decisions and I’ll make mine.
there’s always that one kill joy!
Um, Hello? We could use fun things like this to both draw in tourists and have some treats as locals. You can’t exactly preserve a made beaver tail, so you gotta put in the legwork or drive to go get one, and enjoy it. No midnight snacking.
Also, people finding takeout ideas here that work with our somewhat inconsistent food-quality issues is only a good thing!
Awesome ! Good stuff Gabe !
Good luck with your new business. Gabriel. You have a great location. Might I suggest that the next promo picture shows hands with gloves on when you are handling food products? That beavertail does look good tho.
Not only for promo pictures but all the time 🙂
Hey John. There is a napkin under this beaver tail.
Also don’t worry we are taking all sanitary measures. We did training for head quarters and all before opening also when we’re were bt kitchen. Our kitchen was considered the cleanest kitchen in town…thanks for the input. We were touch to grab the tails with two napkins.
I never liked beavertails, just wasn’t my thing
More healthy options, finally. Just what nunavut needs to help curve the obesity epidemic.
It appears that the Japan location shut down fairly recently, and was replaced by HiO ICE CREAM Atelier 自由が丘. Shame, would’ve been fun to visit.
I considered writing a similar comment to ‘Nutrition First Please,’ though I’m torn as I don’t want to slam someone who is putting themselves out there and opening a business. That is risky and takes a lot of courage.
Still, everything substantive in that comment is true, whether we like it or not. High sugar foods like this are worse than just nutritionally void, they directly lead to disease. And in the north where we already experience some of the worst health outcomes in the country due largely to poor diet, adding more to the problem is hard to celebrate.
Most people that eat healthy don’t eat out so there’s not much of a market for healthy options in iqaluit. What do you expect, an organic salad bar with free range chicken?
If people who eat healthy eat in because there are no options for them to eat out, how can you say there’s no market for healthier foods?
Those who eat healthy usually like to cook their own meals and spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Meal planning takes time and effort and a bit of skill.
Like Gabe mentioned below, he tried offering healthy options before but there was no demand. If you wanna make money in this world you gotta cater to your clientele and if your clientele wants donuts slushies and chicken nuggies, that’s what you sell.
A beavertail pastry at a skating rink is as canadian as pancakes and maple syrup. Wishing the guy nothing but success.
There’s a niche for healthier foods that involves more than someone putting a salad or a few veggies on a menu and calling it a ‘healthy’ option (or for calling your pastry ‘vegan’ LOL). It takes skill for sure, still I suspect the market is large enough to support a well designed business.
All that said, the gist of these comments is not to proscribe whatever choices you want to make, but to point out that these choices, like alcohol or cigarettes, underlie Nunavut’s consistently poor ranking near the bottom of most health indicators in this country.
“I appreciate your concern, but I’d encourage you to do a bit more research before making assumptions. Out of my house I offer a variety of options, including 100% Inuit country food—nothing but the freshest country food, real inuit traditional food. healthiest options you can find. Here’s a taste of what we offer:
Mattaq/Narwhal: Packed with Vitamin B12.
Caribou: A lean red meat, rich in nutrients.
Fish: Available dried, smoked, or raw, for a great source of Omega-3s.Seal:
High in iron and perfect for boosting energy.
Scallops from Pang: Fresh and delicious. And more as requested.
Beaver tials is whole wheat bread and there are vegan Beavertails as options acually.
If you’re looking for something else, like a salad, Northmart is an option with its chemically-enhanced vegetables and ‘healthy’ shelf products. But if you want the real deal, we’re here to serve you with the best fresh food, inuksiut… sourced locally territory wide and sold weekly.
Earlier on when it was bt kitchen, we tried a ‘healthy menu’ for Iqaluit, but the demand simply wasn’t there. We’ve adapted to what our community actually wants.
Let me know how I can serve you better!”
Nunavut doesn’t need anymore babying, it’s clear that alcohol prohibition and high taxes on cigarette is not curbing consumption. Anyone who is asking for harder authoritative systems in place on a news article about an entrepreneur opening up a Beaver Tails clearly live in a fantasy world. You can’t live in a bubble all of your life. Eventually, one must decide for themselves what works. If you want to throw resources at something, start at education, not at another means of taxing people in poverty
Babying no… education yes
Hats off to Mr. Spencer Dewer for the donation!
Dear Nunatsiaq:
The opening of BeaverTails in Iqaluit is a truly momentous occasion that deserves a heartfelt celebration. This iconic pastry shop, renowned for its deliciously sugar-packed treats, represents more than just a new dining option—it embodies the rich cultural mosaic of our city and promises to be a cherished addition to our community.
BeaverTails, owned by the enterprising Gabe Choquette, is a beacon of cultural inclusivity. As an Inuit-Francophone owned business, it seamlessly reflects the diverse heritage of Iqaluit, showcasing a blend of Inuit and Francophone traditions that enrich our city’s identity. This unique cultural fusion resonates deeply with the local population, fostering a sense of unity and shared experience.
Gabe Choquette, the franchise owner, exemplifies the ideal of a conscientious corporate citizen. His commitment to the community goes beyond business as usual. Despite some critiques of pricing in his other ventures, Gabe’s dedication to Iqaluit shines through in his enthusiastic promotion and community engagement. His spirited use of ALL CAPS on social media might be seen as exuberant, but it underscores his genuine passion and commitment to his enterprises and, by extension, to Iqaluit.
BeaverTails is poised to weave itself into the cultural fabric of Iqaluit in several meaningful ways. First, its opening aligns with the principles of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ), which emphasizes respect, community well-being, and cultural continuity. By incorporating local ingredients and collaborating with Inuit artisans, BeaverTails can honor these principles, ensuring that its presence supports and celebrates Inuit traditions.
Furthermore, the sweet treats from BeaverTails offer a joyful experience that aligns with the principle of Hivunirmiut, which values community joy and togetherness. The shop can become a gathering place where residents come together to share moments of delight, reinforcing communal bonds and fostering social cohesion.
Moreover, Gabe Choquette’s inclusive approach to business is a reflection of Pijitsirniq, the principle of serving and providing for others. His efforts to integrate local cultural elements into BeaverTails operations will not only benefit the community but also enhance the city’s vibrant cultural landscape. The shop’s presence in Iqaluit is not just about adding a new food option; it’s about embracing and celebrating the diverse identities that make our city unique.
In conclusion, the arrival of BeaverTails is a sweet testament to the rich, multicultural tapestry of Iqaluit. Under Gabe Choquette’s dynamic and inclusive leadership, BeaverTails is set to become an integral part of our community, embracing and reflecting the core values of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. We welcome this new chapter with open arms and look forward to the positive impact it will undoubtedly have on our city.
Sincerely,
Tommy
Thanks Chat GPT
If I want healthy, it’s cheaper to make it myself. Can I cook one of these at home? Absolutely not.
Easy math.
Who’d go buy a salad in their own town when you can make it home for cheaper? XD
Thanks Gabe! Most of us know we can make real food at home, it’s the treats we gotta go buy 😉 Thanks for bringing up something I usually had to wait for trips south to enjoy!
I’d just like to say thank Gabe Chakra for bringing us some beaver tail. This will be a great moment for les enfants of Iqaluit. Bravo. Gabe, you have done it again! Merci!