Popular grocery chain set to open in southern Ontario region for the first time

A long-standing and popular grocery store chain that’s celebrating its 70th year in business is set to open a store in a busy southern Ontario region for the first time.

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 will open later this month. 

The store, located at 968 Niagara St., will be the first Longo’s location in the Niagara Region.

In an email, a company representative said the opening “marks a milestone” for the brand and signals “an exciting new chapter of growth.” 

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. 

“Seventy years is an incredible milestone to achieve, and I feel very proud,” said Anthony Longo, executive chair of Longo’s, in a January 2026 news release. 

“It’s also an incredible achievement that our purpose has been steadfast: we are, and will always be, a values-driven business built around our guests, team members, partners, and community, just as my father and uncles intended.”

Earlier this year, the brand was named the #1 Grocer in Ontario in the 2026 WOW Study by Léger. 

The chain offers a wide array of produce, meat, fish, dry goods and other grocery staples, as well as delivery service, prepared meals, an online ordering system, loyalty rewards and more. 

At the grand opening, attendees can watch the celebratory apple bite (a Longo’s ribbon-cutting tradition), and the first 250 guests will receive a gift card.

The store opens on June 24.