PHOTO GALLERY: Longo's makes its debut in Kitchener, Ont.

Residents of Kitchener, Ont., now have a new place to grab their groceries.

Longo's has made its long-awaited debut in the Ontario city, about an hour from Toronto. Located in a new development at 1950 Fischer-Hallman Road, the 39,000-sq.-ft. store is packed with fresh produce, meat, sustainable seafood, a market-style bakery, Longo's Kitchen for hot foods along with ready-meals from Pronto Eats and unique offerings such as freshly squeezed orange juice, hand-stretched mozzarella, the Epic Cookie program, the Loft Cooking School and more.

"With the opening of this beautiful, brand new store, we add to a legacy that started in 1956 with my grandfather Tommy and his two brothers Gus and Joe," Jesse Longo, the company's business relationship manager, told attendees at the grand opening on Thursday (Nov. 21). "For over three generations Longo's has been dedicated to offering our guests a remarkable experience, one that is focused on being fanatically fresh with a commitment to supporting our local partners." He added that this includes investing in initiatives to better the community such as sustainability programs, job creation and investment in charitable initiatives and sponsorship opportunities.

"The experience you have in our store is one that combines our passion for food and our love of family and we offer you that experience with the highest standards that we hope will mirror your families' standards," said Longo.

Several sustainable innovations have been incorporated into the Kitchener store including energy-efficient LED lighting and refrigeration systems that utilize CO2 for reduced environmental impact. The store is also participating in the Too Good to Go program, to combat food waste. 

Longo's is continuing its expansion with plans to open new locations in Kleinburg and Colossus in 2025.