Toronto pizzeria cuts out U.S. ingredients until Americans make ‘more responsible electoral decisions’

Gram’s Pizza, a popular pizzeria in Toronto, has made a bold decision to completely cut out U.S. ingredients from their menu in response to President Donald Trump’s threats of imposing tariffs on Canadian goods. Owner Graham Palmateer has taken a stand by replacing all American products in his shop with Canadian or international alternatives.

In an interview with As It Happens host Nil Kӧksal, Palmateer expressed his commitment to avoiding American products until he sees more responsible electoral decisions from the U.S. He shared that the switch has been well-received by customers and has not impacted his prices or bottom line significantly.

Food economist Mike von Massow commended Palmateer for his decision, noting that while it may be easier for smaller establishments like Gram’s Pizza to make such a change, it would be a challenge for larger restaurants with more diverse menus. Von Massow explained that Canada relies on U.S. trade for certain foods, particularly fresh produce in the winter, making it difficult for many establishments to eliminate American ingredients entirely.

Despite the potential challenges, Palmateer has successfully transitioned to using Canadian and international alternatives for ingredients like cheese, flour, and pepperoni. He has also switched from Coca Cola beverages to Canadian sodas and found new suppliers like Mia Food Service to replace Costco, although some costs have increased.

While buying Canadian can be complex due to products crossing borders during production, von Massow encourages Canadians to seek local alternatives and be flexible in their choices. He believes that supporting local products can have a positive impact on specific companies in the U.S. and lead to conversations with politicians.

Palmateer hopes that his decision to cut out U.S. ingredients will inspire others to source locally and support Canadian products. He emphasizes the quality of products made in Canada and encourages consumers to consider where their food comes from when making purchasing decisions.

In a time of economic uncertainty and trade tensions, Gram’s Pizza’s commitment to using non-U.S. ingredients serves as a reminder of the power of consumer choices in shaping the market and supporting local businesses.