Welcome to the Vancouver Lexicon. Its purpose is to pin down the patois of the City of Vancouver by recording its toponyms, nicknames, slang terms, personalities, places, and other Van-centric things. Full A-Z here.

Benny’s | business, neighbourhood institution | Located at 598 Union St. in the heart of Strathcona along the Union St. bike path, Benny’s (aka Benny’s Market, Benny’s Italian Foods) has been owned and operated by the same family in the same building for 100 years. In 1919, Alfonso “Benny” Benedetti and a partner (their partnership only lasted a few months) purchased an existing confectionary business to open an ice cream parlour on the southwest corner of Union and Princess. In the 1930s, Benny was able to purchase the building, which had been originally built in 1905. In 1956, son Ramon joined his father and helped to expand the business by introducing imported Italian products and wholesale distribution alongside the retail operation. Ramon (also known as “Benny”) retired in 2017 and his son Ramon Jr. (who will likely also be a “Benny”) and his wife Janet took over running the family business. The epitome of a neighbourhood corner store will be celebrating its 100th birthday on August 26, 2019.

Usage: “I need to make a stop at Benny’s on my way so I can get some olive oil and a grilled prosciutto sandwich…”

Benny's Market

Neighbourhood: Strathcona

598 Union St.

604-254-2746

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