HABCO® is a recognized industry innovator and is proud of its contributions to the field. The company's legacy is an impressive outline of its significant inventions, environmental innovations and pioneering spirit.

While Cassette® refrigeration has been the cornerstone of our innovation, the following developments are important milestones that highlight our contribution to beverage, food service and commercial refrigeration industries.

2006

HABCO® introduces Cassette®, completely removable refrigeration, exclusively designed and manufactured for Food Service applications.

2005

HABCO® releases advanced full size freezer line with digital controller technology.

2004

HABCO® introduces the world's first Commercial Counter-Top Refrigerated Merchandisers with Cassette®.

2001

Introduces eClass Commercial refrigerators

2000

Signature Line of split-system reach-ins designed and introduced within the 2000 calendar year, fourteen new models

1990s

HABCO® was honored with Environmental Award in 1995 for initiatives in design and manufacture

Thickwall insulation introduced in all new product development

HABCO® introduces Cold Space™, a revolutionary approach to reach-in technology featuring bottom-mounted, Cassette® refrigeration

Patented Hot Gas Condensate system refined to its current bullet-proof state in 1997

HABCO® releases exclusive four-fin per inch condenser design in 1994

HABCO® is one of first North American commercial refrigeration manufacturers to implement electronic ballasts and T8 lamps

Use of Low-E Glass in commercial refrigeration is pioneered in 1993

R134a implemented across entire product line July 1, 1993

1980s

First North American designed and built home dispenser introduced in 1980

Integral cold carbonator, lift-out refrigeration, quick disconnect valves and integral BIB pumps on counter-top unit in 1981

Roto-Molded, insulated water bath introduced in 1983 on counter-top dispensers and remotes

HABCO® releases a large, double-door slider, which uses the same Cassette® refrigeration as its three-door cousin, introduced a few years prior

Self-contained premix Auto-Sampler in 1985

HABCO® Shipping Pods™ introduced in late 1980's as environmental initiative

1970s

Double-duty, top and bottom mount refrigeration Cassette® invented in 1972

First foamed-in-place cabinet in 1973 becoming one of the first domestic manufacturers utilizing polyurethane foamed-in-place insulation

Python tubing (bundle tubing/conduit) introduced in the early 1970's

The company pioneers top-mounted, Cassette® refrigeration for reach-in with the single door H20 and double sliding door H40

Patented Hot Gas Condensate system first used in 1973

Root Beer Blender designed in mid seventies

Coin-Operated Mini-Fresher in 1975

Integral cold carbonator, Cassette® refrigeration introduced on remotes

Implemented the first commercial use of screenprint side decals on merchandisers in the industry

Pioneered use of pre-coat metal fabrication for use on appliances

1960s

H.A. Brown Ltd. develops the world's first counter-top postmix/premix, remote postmix/premix beverage dispensers and beer line chillers featuring lift out Cassette® refrigeration in 1965

The Early Days

Brown's Food Service is founded on the grounds of Toronto's Sunnybrook Hospital, after entrepreneur Harold Brown sells his lunch to a construction worker. A permanent concession is established for the duration of Hospital construction.

Harold Brown receives commendation from City of Toronto Police and Fire Services for providing dockside catering while the S.S.Noronic burns in Toronto harbor.

Brown's Food Service develops first large scale hot coffee service in the City of Toronto, brewing large batches overnight and delivering in large insulated containers?

Our founder patents early version of the box-style-catering vehicle