From Roasting Nuts in a Tiny Shop to Building a Beloved Brand
When people ask where Ayoub’s began, they expect a tidy origin story. But the truth is, Ayoub’s is a journey—one that started with my father, but truly came to life through my own hustle, vision, and relentless commitment. My dad was more than a craftsman—he was a businessman, a builder, and my first mentor. He roasted nuts by hand in a little shop back home. I grew up around the smells, the sounds, and the rhythm of that world. But what I saw wasn’t just a trade—it was a way to bring joy to people through the simplest of pleasures: good food. He’s always been an incredibly generous man—whether through giving back to the community or mentoring others. He took pride in
making sure the people around him succeeded. His attention to detail, his kindness, and his deep pride in his craft shaped everything I know about quality, leadership, and service. I couldn’t have done this without him.
Over the past 16 years, Ayoub’s has grown into something bigger than I could have imagined. We’ve opened multiple locations, developed hundreds of new products, and created a company culture built on quality, generosity, and
community. But more than anything, I’m proud of the team we’ve built.
Creating meaningful jobs has always been at the heart of my mission. I believe in giving people more than a paycheck—I believe in giving them a path. I’ve dedicated myself to training and developing people within the organization, helping them grow into leaders, entrepreneurs, and confident professionals. Many who started
with us have gone on to build incredible careers. I also believe that if I truly care about my team, they’ll care about our customers. I want every customer to matter to them the way they’ve always mattered to me.
That commitment to our people was tested during the COVID-19 pandemic. When fear and uncertainty shut down businesses around us, I made a decision: we would fight, not fold. (At one point, we almost got shut down because we were nearly excluded from the list of essential services.)
I personally delivered products, restructured operations overnight, and worked shoulder to shoulder with my team to keep stores open and spirits high.
We pivoted fast—set up deliveries, launched an online store, and kept every single team member employed. That year, we didn’t just survive. We got better. What began as survival has become a mission: to create snacks worth slowing down for, and a company that invests in people as much as products.
Today, Ayoub’s is a thriving Canadian brand. But at its heart, it’s still me—on the floor, in the kitchen, in the community. Innovating. Leading. Learning.
And building something my daughter can one day be proud of. Welcome to Ayoub’s. It’s not just a store. It’s my life’s work.
— Amir Hosh Founder & President, Ayoub’s Dried Fruits & Nuts
Where Every Bite Tells a Story
Ayoub’s is more than roasted nuts and dried fruit; it’s an experience. From the first scoop to the last bite, the goal has always been to spark joy, comfort, and connection through every product. From handcrafted nut mixes to small-batch sweets and seasonal specialties, Ayoub’s is built on one promise: quality, freshness, and flavour above all else.
Freshness is at the heart of everything. Each batch is roasted in-house, in small quantities, multiple times a week, using time-tested techniques and bold seasonings. Nothing sits on the shelf for long, and the difference is unmistakable.
Step inside an Ayoub’s store and you’ll find more than snacks: you’ll find a vibrant, welcoming space that blends old-world tradition with modern-day delight. From playful packaging to personal customer service, Ayoub’s is a place of discovery, where every visit offers something new to enjoy.
A Culture of Growth and Opportunity
Behind every scoop and every batch at Ayoub’s is a team of passionate, dedicated individuals who bring the brand to life. From roasters to store team, from customer service to operations, every person plays a vital role in shaping the experience we deliver.
Ayoub’s is not just about building a business; it’s about building people. The company invests deeply in its team’s growth and development through hands-on training, mentorship, and opportunities for advancement. Many who began with no experience have grown into store managers, product innovators, and even franchise owners.
When people feel supported, inspired, and connected, they share that same energy with every customer who walks through the doors. That people-first culture is the heart of Ayoub’s and what sets it apart.