After nearly a century of supplying Windsor restaurants and institutions with fresh fruits and vegetables, D. Pearl and Sons Produce closed its doors on June 30, 2026. The family-run business, founded in the 1930s by Ben Pearl's grandfather who immigrated from Lithuania, ceased operations as owners Ben and Genevieve Pearl decided to retire.
Owner Reflects on Decades of Hard Work
Ben Pearl, who took over the business more than 30 years ago, said he never had a day off during his tenure. He woke up twenty minutes before 4 a.m. every morning to work six days a week. "I tell people I'm tired of being tired," Ben said. "I used to enjoy hustling and talking to people and moving stuff, and I guess I was pretty good at it, and the next thing you know, it's like you're in the ring with Mike Tyson."
The business specialized in supplying local produce to Windsor's dining scene. However, changing market dynamics, including a decline in downtown restaurant traffic and increased competition from national distributors like Sysco and Gordon Food Service, made it difficult to sustain operations.
Family History and Community Ties
Ben's father, William Pearl, was a professional boxer and a close friend of famed Canadian wrestler Killer Kowalski, who was born in Windsor. Framed photos of William with Kowalski hung on the wall at the business. "He used to come in here every Christmas and see my dad," Ben recalled. "My Uncle Morris said at the YMCA, Killer would have five or six guys around wrestling, and they'd be going through the air like dolls. He was the Hulk Hogan of the '50s."
Ben and his wife Genevieve met while working at the downtown market and have been married for around 40 years. Their two children pursued careers in the medical field, a choice Ben supports. "A lot of (mom-and-pop shops), the kids went to school, they became educated, they had no plans on going into the family business," he explained. "I would not have wanted my kids to come into this business."
Challenges in the Produce Industry
Ben noted that the decline in downtown Windsor's restaurant scene impacted their customer base. "My father used to say, 'The fruit business is a tough business. Only one business worse than the fruit business, the restaurant business,'" Ben said. The rise of chain restaurants further squeezed local suppliers, as large accounts shifted to national distributors for consistency and convenience.
"They don't want to deal with the local companies, such as ours, and I understand that," he said. "They like the big boys, whether it be Sysco, Gordon Food Service, they like to have one supplier so they know they can get their hands on one thing that's the same in Windsor, London, Toronto."
Retirement and Farewell
Amid industry changes, increasing operating costs, and the birth of two grandchildren, Ben and Genevieve agreed it was time to close the business. "We're not big travellers, but if we go to Vegas for a few days, it's going to be nice to go away and not worry (about the business)," Ben said.
On their last day, the Pearls received well-wishes from customers and friends. A motorcyclist stopped by to wish them a happy retirement, and gift baskets and flowers adorned their desks. "The relationships that we formed with a lot of our customers we've had for years, it's priceless," Ben said. "This business has been very good to us."
