Do you have a local grocery store that feels like family? For generations of Torontonians, that place has been PAT Supermarket — a cornerstone of community, culture, and cuisine since 1972. Founded by the Lee family during the early days of Toronto’s Koreatown,
Pat was one of the first stores to offer authentic Korean groceries in the city. What began as a small family shop on Palmerston Avenue quickly grew into a local institution — helping build the supply chains that introduced kimchi, gochujang, and Korean comfort food to Toronto.
Five decades later, Toronto’s Korean community has grown from just 100 people to over 53,000, and Pat Market remains a symbol of family, food, and resilience. Whether it’s their legendary homemade kimchi or their long-standing community ties, Pat continues to bring Torontonians together through the love of food.