Farm Boy to open first Toronto location

Farm Boy is continuing its expansion into Southern Ontario with the opening of its first Toronto store this fall.

The 20,000-sq.-ft. location in the city's Etobicoke district will employ 150 and offer a wide variety of farm fresh produce, butcher-quality meats, artisan cheese, fresh dairy and chef-inspired meals.

"Busy, time-pressed shoppers looking to eat well on the run can pick up breakfast, lunch or dinner to enjoy at home or relax in the store’s comfortably designed, wifi enabled eating area," according to a press release announcing the store opening.

"After opening our locations in Whitby and Pickering we received many requests from residents in the Toronto area asking us to open a Farm Boy in their neighbourhood," said Farm Boy co-CEO Jeff York. "We are excited to share the news today with the Etobicoke community and promise to work hard to earn their business."



What started as a fresh produce stand in Cornwall, Ont. in the '80s has grown to 23 locations across the province.

In November 2012, U.S. firm Berkshire Partners made an investment in the privately held company. While terms of the deal were not disclosed, it helped give the company access to cash and expertise to fuel its expansion.

When Berkshire made its investment, Farm Boy had 13 stores in Ottawa, Cornwall and Kingston. Today it has stores in London, Kitchener, Brantford, Whitby and Pickering.