The Bad Boy phenomenon began in 1955, when Mel Lastman opened his first Bad Boy store on Weston Road. Mel's branded message stated that Bad Boy was "the place to shop" because of its great prices and excellent service.

Mel instantly became a legend in Toronto with his creative publicity stunts such as selling two-dollar bills for one dollar - coined as the "best two-for-one deal you could find." Mel's charisma and great business sense was the catalyst that turned 

one store into an impressive chain of over 40 locations across Canada.

In 1972, Mel turned his attention to politics and ran for Mayor of the City of North York. Mel won the election, and by 1975 he decided it was time to sell his beloved Furniture, Appliance and Electronics Empire and focus solely on serving his city. 

The young Blayne Lastman, then only 14 years old, was determined to one day continue the Bad Boy legacy. In the meantime, Mel won the hearts and admiration of the constituents and served as a Mayor for over 34 consecutive years, earning him the name "Mega City Mel."