L’OCA Quality Market, the Alberta-based specialty grocery chain, has opened its second location and first in Edmonton. This opening marks a milestone in its rapid expansion since its debut in Sherwood Park in May 2024. The new Edmonton store, located at 9106 142 Street NW, brings L’OCA’s commitment to high-quality, locally-sourced products and exceptional customer service to the Parkview community.
Continuing a Legacy: From Andy’s IGA to L’OCA Quality Market
The new Edmonton location occupies the former site of Andy’s IGA, a community staple for decades. “Andy’s IGA had been here since, like, 1960,” said Ben Cochrane, Partner at L’OCA Market. “Andy finally retired to play more golf, and we had the chance to take over the store and bring L’OCA here.”
In honour of the store’s history, L’OCA has preserved beloved elements from Andy’s IGA, including the much-loved horse statue that has been a local icon for decades.
“The horse has been here since the 60s,” Cochrane said. “I used to ride it as a kid when visiting my grandparents in the neighbourhood. It’s part of the community’s fabric, and we’re proud to keep it right where it belongs.”
What’s Inside: Artisanal Offerings with a Local Touch
While the Edmonton location is smaller at approximately 21,000 square feet—less than half the size of the flagship Sherwood Park store—it maintains the brand’s hallmark features.
“We’ve got all our pre-mades, a massive selection of grocery items, a full-service butcher, local produce sourced as close to home as possible, and a great deli counter with Alberta dairy,” Cochrane shared.
The store also features fresh fast food options, including an on-demand pizzeria and a deli sandwich station, complemented by a cozy café serving fresh coffee and house-made gelato. Notably, the Edmonton store retains and expands upon Andy’s cherished kosher section.
“The kosher section here is the biggest difference from our Sherwood Park store. We took Andy’s foundation and expanded it, ensuring it remains a cornerstone for the community,” Cochrane explained.
A Different Vibe: What Sets It Apart
Unlike the Sherwood Park location, which boasts a wine cellar and in-house restaurants like PYRO Pizzeria & Rotisserie and ORO Trattoria, the Edmonton store focuses on core grocery offerings with an artisanal twist. Despite these differences, Cochrane emphasized the consistent quality across both stores.
“Everything is done with as many local ingredients as we can by Michelin-trained chefs, from butter chicken to freshly baked bread,” he said.
The Sherwood Park flagship, located at 340 Baseline Road, spans 48,000 square feet and was extensively renovated from its previous life as a RONA store. It set the standard for L’OCA’s commitment to quality, community, and culinary excellence, a model the Edmonton store follows closely.
The Human Touch: Staff and Community Connection
L’OCA’s dedication to community extends beyond its products. The Edmonton store retained about 95% of Andy’s original staff, ensuring continuity and familiarity for long-time customers.
“A key priority was keeping as many of the original team members as possible,” Cochrane noted. “They’re part of the store’s history and bring invaluable experience.”
The staff’s professionalism and product knowledge are evident at both locations. “We have a strong training program, but the passion and dedication of our team members truly set us apart,” Cochrane said.
Building the L’OCA Brand: A Focus on Quality
Discussing L’OCA Market’s origins, Cochrane highlighted the brand’s mission to “do food differently.”
“Food is about community, connection, and sharing with family and friends. We wanted to bring those values back into grocery shopping,” he explained.
L’OCA offers over 500 private-label products made in-house, from butter chicken to artisanal bread, crafted with local ingredients by Michelin-trained chefs.
Local investors have also played a significant role in supporting L’OCA’s growth. “We’ve been fortunate to have the backing of local investors who believe in our vision and the value we bring to the community,” Cochrane noted.
Growth and the Road Ahead
L’OCA Quality Market’s growth has been swift and strategic. “Two stores in 266 days,” Cochrane said. “There’s no end in sight. We’re eyeing more locations in Edmonton, and maybe even Calgary down the road.”
The brand’s success is rooted in its focus on local sourcing and community connections. “Food is about community, connection, and tradition,” Cochrane reflected. “Our goal has always been to do food differently—bringing people together through simple, fresh, natural ingredients.”
Curious if there was or is any news about the adjacent former Royal Bank site. There was talk a while back about using that space for L’Oca restaurants. Then I heard that changed. Did Retail Insider gain any knowledge about that?
I didn’t unfortunately, I was not aware of that. Ben didn’t mention it, but I’ll reach out to him and ask (and comment here).
We hear, that in St. Albert, a third L’OCA is slated to be opened next year. Will it be on the scale of the Sherwood Park store with restaurants? Our community is buzzing with excitement.
Hopefully you are also thinking of opening a store in the southwest area
eg Windermere perhaps ??!!
Would consider letting me know
Thank you
The store is fabulous
I’m in love with the Sherwood Park location — over the Christmas break, I ended up returning with family to try each restaurant and even the pizza bar. It’s such a wonderful concept! I’d love one here in Toronto where I now reside.