History

AN ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

The origin of the unique William J.Walter Saucissier concept

You might be interested to learn that one of the William J. Walter Saucissier founders was once a brilliant hockey player, member of the Canadian National Team managed by Father Bauer at the end of the 60s.  After a few years with the National Team and a short stay with the Oakland Seals of the NHL, Jean Cusson seized the opportunity to play hockey overseas and moved to a player/coach position in Switzerland, which he occupied for 15 years.  In 1985, Jean Cusson and his family returned to Montreal, and this is where our story begins.

BOLDNESS

Shortly after Jean's return to Canada, his brother Paul Cusson, a professor and consultant in creativity at UQAM while inspired by European butcher shops presented a unique retail sausage concept to his brothers Jean and Robert.  In 1986, with a clear view in mind, the brothers decided to start the business and began producing and selling a new concept of high-quality sausages.  Their objective: sell the widest variety of sausages in Québec!  The first William J. Walter Saucissier store opened its door at the Plaza Côte-des-Neiges shopping center in Montreal.  A bad location almost led the Cusson brothers to bankruptcy; the store closed after a few months of operations.  Still confident in their concept, they decided to open another location at the public market Les Halles d’Anjou.  At first, they offered some twenty varieties of sausages that included traditional German, Toulouse, and Italian sausages.  Always innovating, they expanded their variety of products for the pleasure of their growing clientele.  In the summer of 1987, the brothers were rewarded for their efforts as the concept had caught on.  A second store opened at the Marché 440 in Laval, and more than 40 varieties of sausages were now offered.  Impressed by the products, clients showed interest in opening their own William J. Walter store.  This is how the William J. Walter franchise concept began.  For a nominal fee, franchisees used the William J. Walter banner and offered the exclusive sausages, along with other offerings of their liking such as microbrewery beer, cheese, pasta, and other fine food products. In 1998, Robert passed away and Jean inherited the business.  Now retired, Jean has left his son Alexandre a flourishing business with over 35 store locations and 60 varieties of sausages.

WHAT ABOUT THAT NAME? 

The search began for a name that would legitimize a sausage maker, something with an international essence.  As pork is a key ingredient in sausages, the brothers imagined three little pigs as the founders. Each piglet was given a name : William, Joseph, and Walter, and this in turn became the great banner that is WILLIAM J. WALTER SAUCISSIER.