Grocery store opens new location, its first in busy southern Ontario region

For the first time, residents in one of southern Ontario’s best-known (and most scenic) regions can shop at a popular grocery store that has been operating east of the area for decades.

Today, Longo’s, a family-owned grocery chain that operates over 40 grocery stores throughout Toronto and the GTA, announced that its highly anticipated Welland location has opened its doors. 

The brand, which has been majority-owned by Sobey’s parent company, Empire Company Ltd., since 2021, announced the newest location earlier this year. The Welland store, located at 968 Niagara Street, is the grocer’s 44th location and its first-ever in the Niagara region.

“Opening our first store in the Niagara Region is an exciting moment for Longo’s,” said Anthony Longo, executive chairman, Longo’s, in a news release.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring our freshness, service, value and Family Standards to Welland. We are looking forward to serving the community and building wonderful, long-lasting relationships.”

The opening comes as the company celebrates seven decades in business. Founded in 1956 by brothers Tommy, Joe, and Gus, the chain–initially known as Longo Brothers Fruit Markets–began as one small family-run shop in the Yonge and Castlefield area in Toronto. 

In a news release, the company said its newest store features fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, locally sourced meats and seafood, a market-style bakery, a fresh deli and meat counter, oven-baked pizza, gourmet sandwiches, hot prepared foods, a salad bar, ready-to-go meals, and sushi.

The store also offers an array of packaged, dairy, and frozen products.

There is also an in-store Starbucks, a selection of local beer and wine, and The Loft Cooking School.

“The warm welcome we’ve received from the Welland community throughout this journey has been incredible,” said Chris Prosia, Welland store manager, in a statement

“We’ve already built invaluable connections with residents and community partners, and we look forward to serving local families and being a valued community partner for years to come.”

In a news release, the brand said it has contributed to the local food banks and organized a 30-person cleanup along the Welland Canal in honour of Earth Day.

At the grand opening, attendees were able to watch the celebratory apple bite (a Longo’s ribbon-cutting tradition), and the first 250 guests received a gift card.

Regular store hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.