Farm Boy has announced the addition of three new locations to its growing network of Ontario grocery stores. The latest stores will be located in Kanata at 700 Terry Fox Drive, in Ottawa at Bank Street and Skipper Drive, and in downtown Collingwood at 39 Huron Street. These openings mark the continuation of Farm Boy’s steady provincial growth under parent company Empire Company Limited.
“The excitement for Farm Boy is contagious,” the company stated in a message shared on its website. “Our focus is on bringing fresh, high-quality food options to both urban and suburban areas, ensuring everyone has a chance to experience the Farm Boy quality and value.”
Although official opening dates have yet to be confirmed, Farm Boy emphasized that negotiations and construction timelines can be fluid, and it encouraged customers to check its website regularly for updates.
Strategic Expansion in Key Ontario Markets
The newly announced Farm Boy new Ontario stores are part of the brand’s broader growth strategy to deepen its footprint across the province. By selecting a mix of suburban and smaller urban markets, the retailer is demonstrating confidence in its proven formula of chef-prepared meals, fresh produce, and a distinct in-store atmosphere.
The upcoming Collingwood location at 39 Huron Street marks the brand’s first store in the Simcoe County town, which has seen an influx of residents and tourists in recent years. Meanwhile, the two new Ottawa-area stores continue the brand’s expansion in its home territory, where Farm Boy maintains a particularly strong customer base.
Ottawa Roots and a Province-Wide Presence
Founded in Cornwall in 1981 by Jean-Louis and Colette Bellemare, Farm Boy began as a modest 300-square-foot produce stand. Over the past four decades, it has evolved into a full-fledged grocery chain with 51 locations across Ontario. Headquartered in Ottawa, the company has retained its local roots even as it grows under the ownership of Empire Company Limited, which acquired Farm Boy in 2018.
Despite being part of a larger national grocery group, Farm Boy has remained focused solely on the Ontario market. Each new store reflects the brand’s emphasis on community, freshness, and curated offerings tailored to local tastes.
A Distinct Shopping Experience
Farm Boy differentiates itself from larger supermarket chains through a fresh-market concept that places customer service and quality at the forefront. Unlike typical big-box grocers, Farm Boy stores are often smaller in scale and designed to feel more like boutique markets. The company avoids self-checkouts, instead emphasizing personal interaction with knowledgeable team members throughout the store.
Its slogan, “It’s All About The Food,” is reflected in the layout and offerings of every location. Stores feature a mix of farm-fresh produce, premium deli and butcher selections, local and international cheeses, bakery items, and sustainable seafood. The retailer also places a strong emphasis on chef-prepared meals, with in-store kitchens producing soups, salads, and entrees made from scratch.
Private Label and Local Sourcing
A defining feature of Farm Boy’s success is its expansive range of private-label products, many of which are exclusive to the brand. From snack foods and sauces to frozen items and bakery treats, these items have helped cultivate strong customer loyalty.
In addition, Farm Boy’s dedication to local sourcing is central to its identity. The company works closely with Ontario farmers and food producers to stock hundreds of regionally sourced items. This connection to community vendors aligns with the retailer’s brand values and bolsters its reputation as a supporter of the provincial economy.
Customer Enthusiasm Driving Growth
Farm Boy says its customer base is eager for new stores, and that community excitement plays a central role in site selection. “We hear from countless customers every day, eager to know when a store will be gracing their city,” the company noted on its website. “This outpouring of support is truly heartwarming, and we can’t wait to bring the Farm Boy experience to even more communities.”
The company also acknowledged the time required to finalize lease negotiations and complete construction. “We have some exciting plans brewing, but for now, we kindly ask for your patience. Negotiations can take time, and opening dates can sometimes shift due to unforeseen circumstances,” the statement read.
