Adonis opens first Ontario store near Toronto

Quebec ethnic grocer Marché Adonis, majority-owned by Metro Inc., opened a store Wednesday in Mississauga, Ont.–the ethnic banner's first foray outside of Quebec.

The 40,000 square-foot store–which replaces a Metro store under the banner Adonis Market–sells “food for all cultures,” according to purchasing and marketing manager Nabil Abi Aad.

As in Quebec, this Adonis appears to be maintaining its focus on Mediterranean cuisine–a dedicated olive counter speaks for itself–but it has also grown its ethnic food offer.

“We have increased the products for South Asian, Portuguese and Caribbean customers,” says Abi Aad, pointing to Mississauga's diverse population.

The store also caters to Muslim shoppers with a Halal meats counter that sits next to (but is separated from) the regular fresh meats counter.

It also boasts a “Bistro” section, where customers can eat ready-to-eat food purchased at the back of the store. Close by is a "Fresh Juice and Creperie" counter and pastry counter with various ethnic and non-ethnic treats.

According to Abi Aad, the Mississauga location is the first of at least four stores the retailer plans to open in the Greater Toronto Area.

The second store will open in Scarborough (no time frame was provided). Locations for the remaining two stores have not yet been determined.

In 2011, supermarket giant Metro Inc. bought a 55 per cent stake in Adonis, nabbing a piece of the fast-growing market for ethnic grocery stores. Metro describes its relationship with Adonis as a partnership.

Metro president Eric La Fleche last year called the format “very promising,” pointing to Adonis’ focus on fresh food, HMR and customer service.

Adonis, founded in 1979 in Montreal, operates five stores in Quebec.