York University Markham Campus Honors Louie Belcastro with Lounge Naming

York University Markham Campus has officially named a student lounge the Belcastro Family Lounge in recognition of local entrepreneur Louie Belcastro and his generous $500,000 donation to the campus. The lounge is situated on the second floor of the campus’ atrium and serves as a space for students to gather and collaborate.

The Belcastro family operates the Classic Group of Companies, which includes five catering and food brands serving clients throughout the Greater Toronto Area. This contribution is part of the campus’ ongoing $50 million capital campaign aimed at enhancing facilities and resources for students.

Dan Palermo, deputy provost at the Markham campus, emphasized the long-standing relationship between the Belcastro family and the university, stating that their ties predate the campus’s opening. “Their story really resonated and aligned strongly with what a campus wants to be,” he noted. Palermo recalled the family’s visit to the campus, where they shared their entrepreneurial journey with students, highlighting the importance of community engagement and business development in the region.

Louie Belcastro’s connection to the family business began in high school, following the passing of his father, Giuseppe Belcastro, who founded the Classic Group in 1962 with a single food truck, initially named Joseph B. Snack Service. Under Louie’s leadership, the business has expanded significantly, now encompassing a combined 75,000 sq. ft. facility and production space. His children, Joseph, Michael, and Alessandra, are also involved in the family business, continuing the legacy established by their grandfather.

The Classic Group’s contributions to the community have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, the company was recognized as a finalist in the Community Relations and Cultural Enrichment category at the Markham Board of Trade Business Excellence Awards. Additionally, Alessandra Belcastro was honored in the Hospitality Presence category in the Markham Board of Trade’s Top 40 Under 40 awards two years later. During her acceptance speech, she remarked, “In order for you to become an entrepreneur and see yourself be successful, you have to be able to have a bad day, look past it, and have a clear vision of where you want to go.”

The establishment of the Belcastro Family Lounge not only recognizes a significant donation but also celebrates a family deeply rooted in the community and dedicated to fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs. For more information about York University Markham Campus, visit their official website at www.yorku.ca/markham.