Farm Boy fresh-market growth accelerates with 10 new Ontario locations

Seven GTA, one Niagara and two Ottawa locations opening in next two years

OTTAWA, Dec. 10, 2019 /CNW/ - Farm Boy, Ontario's fastest growing fresh food retailer, today announced that it will bring its popular fresh-market shopping experience to more Ontario communities and urban centres in the Greater Toronto (GTA), Niagara and Ottawa areas. The announcement comes following the December 5^th opening of Farm Boy Walkers Line in Burlington, the first store in the expansion plan.  

Farm Boy Inc. storefront (CNW Group/Farm Boy Inc.)

"We've delivered a world-class fresh-market shopping experience for 38 years," said Jeff York, co-CEO, Farm Boy. "Our in-store experience and fresh food offering continues to evolve with our customers and get stronger with each store we open. We're delighted to see how well our offer continues to resonate with our customers. Farm Boy is entering an exciting phase of our growth plans as we expand our presence in the GTA and Ottawa, while also entering new markets like the Niagara region."

The Farm Boy store count will grow in a mix of urban and suburban communities with diverse store sizes and formats to fit the needs of local communities. In the GTA, Farm Boy will expand to include locations in Newmarket and in Toronto at College Park, Yonge and Soudan, Front and Bathurst, Dundas West and Aukland, and Dupont and Christie. In the Niagara region, Farm Boy will open its first store in St. Catharines. Farm Boy's presence in its Ottawa home will grow to include new locations downtown on Metcalfe Street and at the Ottawa Train Yards. Including Burlington, these 10 stores will bring the total Farm Boy Ontario store count to 37.

The new stores will range in size from 12,000 to 38,000 square feet. All will feature the core Farm Boy fresh food experience including an extensive selection of farm-fresh foods, chef-inspired take-out meals and popular private label specialty products. As well, the stores will continue to offer a broad selection of locally made, organic, and plant-based foods.

Voted Best Customer Experience in Ontario for the second year in a row, according to the Leger "2018 Wow Customer Experience Index", the Farm Boy fresh food experience continues to win over customers in existing and new communities. "We've come a long way from our first small produce store in Cornwall", says Farm Boy co-founder and co-CEO Jean-Louis Bellemare. "Since day one, we believed that if we made our customers happy, they would come back. This concept has worked for us so far and we will continue to focus on providing an outstanding customer experience as we grow. The customer will forever be at the heart of everything we do."

NEW FARM BOY LOCATIONS & OPENING DATES

Farm Boy Location	Open Date	Address	City	Square Footage
Farm Boy Walkers Line	December 5, 2019	3061 Walkers Line	Burlington	24,000
Farm Boy St. Catharines	Winter 2020	295 Fourth Avenue West	St. Catharines	23,000
Farm Boy Metcalfe	Spring 2020	193 Metcalfe Street	Ottawa	29,000
Farm Boy Newmarket	Summer 2020	18075 Yonge Street	Newmarket	32,000
Farm Boy Train Yards (relocation)	2020	830 Belfast Road	Ottawa	38,000
Farm Boy College Park	2020	777 Bay Street	Toronto	12,000
Farm Boy Yonge & Soudan	2020	2131 Yonge Street	Toronto	28,000
Farm Boy Front & Bathurst	2020	33 Bathurst Street	Toronto	34,000
Farm Boy Dundas W & Aukland	2021	5245 Dundas West	Toronto	25,000
Farm Boy Dupont & Christie	2021	740 Dupont Street	Toronto	23,000

FARM BOY FAST FACTS

• Since 1981, local supplier partners have been integral to the Farm Boy offer. Farm Boy carries hundreds of local products made in Ontario including fresh produce, butcher-quality meats, artisan cheese, fresh dairy and baked goods, and sustainable seafood.
• All Farm Boy stores feature a Farm Boy Kitchen with a 60-foot fresh salad bar, hot bars and a casual restaurant experience that includes gourmet pizzas, freshly-rolled sushi and signature dishes created by Farm Boy's team of chefs.
• Stores offer hot meals, made fresh at the in-store grilling stations, for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including daily features. Many of these meals are made from scratch without preservatives or additives, including fresh soups, handmade sausages, burgers and kebabs, and ready-to-cook prepared meals.
• Farm Boy carries its own line of beloved private label products with over 800 SKUs, including popular frozen entrees, sides and sweet treats.
• The in-store offer includes many vegan, gluten-free, organic and natural food choices.
• Farm Boy stores are designed to be easy to shop and feature comfortable, Wi-Fi-enabled dining areas.
  

ABOUT FARM BOY
Ontario-based Farm Boy is well known for their unique fresh-market shopping experience. With legions of loyal customers, Farm Boy has grown from a small produce stand that began in Cornwall in 1981 to a household name with plans to double its size by 2023.

Twitter: @farmboy Instagram: @officialfarmboy Facebook: @farmboy.ca

SOURCE Farm Boy Inc.

Media Contact: Carolyn Trudel, Director of Public Relations and Market Development, 613-614-0677, [email protected]