Harvey's, the beloved Canadian fast-food chain, received its distinctive name from an unexpected and practical source: a sign discovered by its founder, Richard Mauran, in 1959.
The journey to becoming "Harvey's" was not the initial plan. The founders had actually considered naming the restaurant "Humphrey's." However, they ultimately decided that "Harvey's" sounded better and was a more fitting choice. The opportunity to acquire the name arose when Richard Mauran was reading the Toronto Telegram newspaper in 1959. He came across an advertisement for a car dealership that was closing down on Danforth Avenue in Toronto. Crucially, the dealership's sign, which prominently displayed the name "Harvey's," was available for acquisition. This convenient find led to the immediate and economical branding of the new restaurant.
The Origin Story in Detail
The decision to adopt the name "Harvey's" was a combination of convenience and preference:
- Initial Concept: The founders had a different name in mind, "Humphrey's."
- Spontaneous Discovery: While reviewing the Toronto Telegram, founder Richard Mauran stumbled upon a unique opportunity.
- The Available Sign: A dealership on Danforth Avenue in Toronto was closing its doors, and its ready-made "Harvey's" sign was available.
- Practical Choice: Opting for an existing sign not only saved time and resources in branding but also appealed to the founders as a strong, suitable name.
This serendipitous discovery provided the iconic Canadian burger chain with its memorable and enduring identity.
Key Facts About the Naming of Harvey's
To summarize the pivotal details of how Harvey's got its name, here's a quick overview:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founder Involved | Richard Mauran |
| Year of Naming | 1959 |
| Original Name Idea | Humphrey's |
| Source of "Harvey's" | A closing car dealership's sign |
| Location of Source | Danforth Avenue, Toronto |
| Reason for Choice | "Harvey's" was preferred and the sign was available |
This practical approach to naming helped establish one of Canada's most recognized fast-food brands.
