David Schwartz

Race to Rescue

BIO

David Schwartz, Co-Founder & Culinary Director of Big Hug Hospitality, is a central figure in Toronto's dining scene. Born and raised in the city, he developed a love for Chinese food through family meals at Cantonese restaurants, a passion that would shape his culinary career. 

Starting as a food runner, he climbed the ranks through hands-on training before launching Sunnys Chinese as a pandemic-era takeout pop-up. The concept sold out for 11 consecutive months and won "Best Takeout" from Air Canada's enRoute magazine in 2021, paving the way for Mimi Chinese a year later. Both restaurants celebrate regional Chinese cuisine. Mimi has appeared on the Michelin Guide Toronto list for two consecutive years and Sunnys with a Bib Gourmand. 

David received the 2023 Michelin Young Chef Award. In 2024, he launched Linny's, a deli-inspired steakhouse named in memory of his late mother.

David's Impact

Meals Icon
3,371+
Total meals provided
CO2 Icon
11,393
Lbs. of GHGs averted from the atmosphere
Water Icon
2,182,159
Litres of water prevented from going to waste

My Achievements

Fundraising Page

Updated Profile Pic

Added a Blog Post

Received First Donation

Halfway to Goal

Reached Goal

Thank you to my Sponsors

$265.38

Jonathon & Danielle Kappy

$107.82

Amanda Lapidus

$107.82

Neal Altman

$107.82

Michael Schwartz

Keep doin the right thing

$28.43

Anonymous

$28.43

Anna Hopkins

$28.43

Anonymous

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