If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we are at great risk of losing some of the best shops that have been treating us so well for so long. Whether it be family-owned restaurants or grocery stores, everyone needs our help to stay open so that we can enjoy them once again when all of this blows over. That being said, below are some independently owned grocery stores that stock some of the freshest and finest produce, even more than corporate brands.
Fiesta Farms
As Toronto’s largest independent grocery store, Fiesta Farms carries a wide range of only the best quality products. They focus on two main things: serving local ethnic communities and supporting the local economy. With reasonable prices and accessible products, this grocery store certainly outweighs the big guys.
Summerhill Market
Since 1954, Summerhill Market has been striving to provide only the best for their customers. Since the beginning, the grocery store’s morale has been that customers are always #1 and every product they carry is 100% guaranteed. If there was something you needed but couldn’t find in the store, workers would not stop looking until you had it in your hands. Now it’s easier than ever to shop at Summerhill Market thanks to the four locations they operate, plus you can have your order delivered or picked up curbside.
Harvest Wagon
For over 40 years, Harvest Wagon has been serving the Summerhill neighbourhood with only the best quality products. The store provides an elevated shopping experience with its top-notch produce and delicious prepared foods. The store has even developed close, personal relationships with some of its top customers over the years. Harvest Wagon takes pride in these relationships and in providing loyal customers with tips on in-season and quality products.
Ambrosia Natural Foods
First opening their doors in the late 1970s, Ambrosia started out by selling quality bulk food items like nuts and dried fruits. As the business grew and became popular amongst locals, Ambrosia expanded its brand to two other locations across Ontario. Now, the business offers a wide range of organic fruits, vegetables, natural cosmetics, supplements, and more.
Nortown
This supermarket is a true classic. First opening their doors in 1960, Michael Klein began his business as a small butcher and fish shop. As time passed, the business grew and the store started providing grocery and specialty products. As one of the most respected specialty produce providers, this family-owned business definitely continues to serve the community greatly.
The Healthy Butcher
The Healthy Butcher takes pride in providing customers with meat that is produced “the way nature intended.” Rather than solely depending on locally sourced meat, this butcher takes time to find producers that do not use chemicals or inhumane practices. Instead, they build relationships with farmers that are just as passionate about sustainability as they are.
Pusateri’s
Pasuteri’s carries some of the most impressive collections of gourmet, artisanal and imported products. With five locations around the GTA, each store welcomes customers with the best service and products. It seems that Pusateri’s has something for any occasion, especially the special ones. With packaged gift baskets, beautiful flowers and notable catering, this independent grocery store is an absolute must-visit when it comes to grocery shopping.
Cheese Boutique
For over three generations, Cheese Boutique has been providing a global array of gourmet cheeses, meats and pre-made dishes. Just as art is admired and appreciated, each product is appreciated for its quality and accessibility. Stacked from floor to ceiling, the fine cheese and hams are left to age in the perfect environment for the perfect taste. It’s no wonder that local chefs and foodies are obsessed with this place!
Bruno’s Fine Foods
Bruno’s Fine Foods has been serving customers with personal service and much satisfaction. Providing quality meat, fish and fresh produce, this independent grocery store has been a staple with its four locations across the GTA. It is undoubtedly a place to encounter a friendly face from friends and staff.
Unboxed Market
Appalled by the amount of waste Canadians were producing every day, Unboxed Market opened its doors in 2019 in order to help eradicate the throwaway lifestyle. As a zero-waste store, customers use borrowed containers or ones from home and fill them up with groceries. With this method, no packaging is thrown out and you would have the perfect amount of food with no waste. It’s here that you can find tasty pastries, a hot counter serving ready-made meals, artisan bread, and some of the freshest produce around.
