Montreal-based grocer Adonis, known for its Mediterranean and Middle Eastern offerings, is opening a new location in London, Ontario—its fifth in the province and sixteenth in Canada. The supermarket will anchor a large space at the Westwood Power Centre at Bradley Avenue and Wonderland Road South, with doors set to open by late summer 2025.
“We are very excited to expand into southwestern Ontario,” said Sherif K. El Gharbawy, Regional Director of the Adonis Groupe, in an interview. “We’ve been serving customers in the GTA and Ottawa, but London marks a new frontier for us. From what we are seeing so far, the demand is clearly there.”
A Large-Format Grocery Destination with a Cultural Twist
The 46,000-square-foot grocery store will be among the largest in the London region. It aims to deliver more than just a shopping trip—it’s a cultural and culinary experience, said El Gharbawy.
“When you enter our store, it’s like a discovery trip,” he explained. “You’re not just shopping; you’re learning, tasting, and connecting with traditions from across the Mediterranean.”
The store will feature departments specializing in Lebanese, Middle Eastern, North African, and broader Mediterranean foods, including an on-site pita production line capable of baking up to 15,000 pitas per day. “What we bake is what we sell, and it’s always fresh—baked just an hour ago,” El Gharbawy said.
Fresh and Local: Supporting Ontario Suppliers
Although rooted in Mediterranean culture, Adonis emphasizes local sourcing. The new London location will feature seasonal Ontario produce and 100% halal meats—a staple of the brand’s offer—sourced from leading Canadian suppliers including Cargill and Maple Lodge.
“Our halal meat offering is extremely high quality and meets rigorous certification standards,” El Gharbawy noted. “It’s not only about religious adherence—it’s about superior freshness and flavour.”
The grocer has become known for its house-made marinades as well. “A big part of our meat sales comes from marinated selections,” he added. “We have our own recipes that customers love. They sell like hotcakes.”
A Human Touch: Service Counters and Community
Unlike mainstream grocers, Adonis stores feature extensive service counters, including hot food bars, bakeries, and meat and deli counters—all staffed by knowledgeable employees.
“Our concept is very hands-on,” said El Gharbawy. “You’re not just speaking to a product—you’re speaking with people who understand the culture, who can guide you through what to buy and how to use it.”
This model requires a large staff. The London location will employ more than 150 team members by opening day, with both part-time and full-time roles.
“People are our best ambassadors,” said El Gharbawy. “They represent the values and culture of Adonis. From our bakers to our butchers, we hire people who understand the richness of our offering and the importance of hospitality.”
Expansion Plans Rooted in Data
London won’t be the last stop for Adonis in Ontario. El Gharbawy shared that the company has its sights set on several growing regions based on demographic trends and Stats Canada data.
“The areas showing the most promise for cultural grocery demand include Richmond Hill, Windsor, Oakville, Burlington, and Hamilton,” he said. “We’re analyzing population growth, immigration patterns, and local demand for authentic, international food offerings.”
The retailer currently operates stores in Mississauga, Scarborough, Ottawa, and another GTA location, with a strong brand presence in Quebec, where it runs 11 locations. Its expansion into Ontario began following the chain’s acquisition by Metro Inc., one of Canada’s largest grocers.
“Metro saw the opportunity back in 2011 and brought us into Ontario,” El Gharbawy noted. “Since then, it’s been strategic growth—and the reception has been excellent.”
A Grocery Concept with Purpose
Alongside fresh food and customer service, Adonis is also prioritizing sustainability. The company participates in food rescue and recovery initiatives, including the One More Bite program, food recycling, and partnerships with food rescue apps to reduce waste.
“We’re committed to being more than just a retailer,” said El Gharbawy. “We want to be part of the community, not only through our products but by doing what’s right for the environment and for those in need.”
Local Buzz and Customer Anticipation
London residents have already begun to express excitement. According to El Gharbawy, feedback on social media and through customer channels has been enthusiastic—even from people who’ve moved away.
“We recently got a message from someone in Alberta saying, ‘Please open in Edmonton. I used to live in Mississauga and I miss Adonis—I can’t live without it,’” he laughed. “It shows we’re doing something right.”
While a move further west isn’t off the table, El Gharbawy said the focus for now is firmly on Ontario. “Let’s cover Ontario first,” he said. “Then we’ll think about Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan—who knows?”
A Taste of the Mediterranean in London
For Londoners seeking a broader range of culinary options, the new Adonis store will offer something distinct. In addition to fresh produce and halal meat, customers will find prepared foods, pastries (French and Oriental), cheeses, olives, hot meals, and spice blends from across the Mediterranean world.
“People want a shopping experience that connects them to their heritage—or helps them explore a new one,” said El Gharbawy. “We offer that in a way that’s authentic, high quality, and fresh.”
While many large-format grocery chains rely heavily on self-service and standard SKUs, Adonis is betting on something different: a curated, high-touch, culturally rich shopping experience that draws repeat customers and passionate brand loyalty.
“We’re not just a store,” said El Gharbawy. “We’re a community hub. A place to connect with your roots, or discover something new.”
Opening Timeline and Hiring
The London location is slated to open by late summer 2025, and hiring is currently underway. Adonis is looking for passionate, customer-focused individuals to join the team across all departments.
“We want people who can share in our mission to provide exceptional service and products,” said Éric Provost, Vice President at Adonis. “We’ve become known for our well-trained, passionate team members who make the in-store experience what it is.”
A Grocery Brand to Watch
As Canada’s population continues to grow and diversify, the rise of cultural grocery concepts like Adonis speaks to a broader trend. Customers are seeking connection, authenticity, and discovery—not just convenience.
With its latest store in London, Adonis is positioning itself as a leader in cultural food retailing, while offering a modern, service-oriented twist on traditional grocery.
“We are excited to bring Adonis’ unique offering to London and to be part of this vibrant and diverse community,” said Provost. “Providing customers with an exceptional shopping experience, quality products, and an authentic taste is what we’re all about.”
