L'Oca Quality Market to close its two Alberta locations

After less than two years of operation, Alberta-based L'Oca Quality Market has announced it is shuttering its two locations on March 12.

The specialty grocer, who's former president once described the store's concept to Canadian Grocer as an "experiential artisinal market" is reported to be closing L'Oca because because it did not see a sustainable path forward for the business.

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L'Oca's Edmonton and Sherwood Park, Alta., locations will close as well its two restaurants Pyro and Oro. Plans to open an third location in St. Albert, north of Edmonton, have also been scrapped. 

When it debuted in 2024, L'Oca was praised for its focus on local and the experience it delivered by combining a full grocery assortment with expansive fresh food areas, restaurants and a demonstration kitchen. 

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For its efforts, last fall L'Oca's 45,000-sq.-ft. Sherwood Park location was recognized by the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers with its David C. Parsons Award, an honour handed out to outstanding independent retailers.