Farm Boy is headed to Richmond Hill

Farm Boy is headed to Richmond Hill.

The Empire-owned banner will open the doors to a 26,725-sq.-ft. space on April 8. This will be Farm Boy's 37th  location in Ontario and its first in Richmond Hill--a city 20 kilometres North of Toronto.

The store will employ 135 staff members and will offer a wide variety of farm fresh produce, butcher-quality meats, artisan cheese and fresh dairy.

In a press release, Jean-Louis Bellemare, Farm Boy president and general manager said Farm Boy had made certain enhancements to its offering to reflect changing consumer habits brought about by the pandemic.

"We’ve upgraded our meal-ready solutions in store with new full-service salad and hot bars, along with a variety of to-go options that are convenient and nutritious," he said. "We are excited to show Richmond Hill the Farm Boy experience – rooted in fresh, wholesome food, along with exceptional customer service."

In keeping pace with changing food habits, the Richmond Hill store will also offer a range of  vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free products.

Empire has been aggressively growing the Farm Boy banner since it acquired the Ontario-based grocer for $800 million in 2018. With Empire behind it, Farm Boy has better access to premium sites all around the Greater Toronto Area and in the downtown core.

Over the last three years, Farm Boy has opened stores in St. Catharines, Ottawa, Newmarket and downtown Toronto, and it will continue to grow in 2021 with the opening of six stores.