Save-On-Foods opens fifth store in Calgary
Vancouver-based Save-On-Foods is continuing its expansion in Western Canada with the opening of a 41,000-sq.-ft. store in Calgary's Signal Hill neighbourhood.
Smoke from dozens of wildfires burning to the west had cast a blanket over the city for days, but inside, the store was a burst of colour. From the lime green flooring to the rainbow of fruits and veggies, the pre-opening celebration was a vibrant affair as dozens of guests milled around taking it all in.
The store includes a number of different standout features that Save-On-Foods has become known for, including hand-stretched pizza and a make-your-own trail mix bar, among other conveniences.
"We have a full Starbucks, we do in-store made sausages and in-store made sushi, plus lots of ready-to-eat meal options," said Sierra Johnston, store manager of the chain's fifth location in Calgary and a 2018 Star Women Awards winner. "Our produce department has one hundred and thirty-seven organic products. We also have an in-store cut fruit program, plus we carry a number of local products.
The store stocks 1,400 local products, to be exact, from kombucha to barbecue sauce and an array of produce.
"Local is important to us for a number of reasons," Save-On-Foods president Darrell Jones told Canadian Grocer. "Number one, it's eliminating the pollution; we're not hauling that food from California or Florida. Second, it's the right thing for the local growers who need our support to promote and sell their products. It's also the right thing for our customers because the best quality you can get is what's right here."
The store's other services include a frozen yogurt bar, complete with an array of candy and toppings, and a chicken wing counter where guests were invited to try samples in flavours such as dill pickle, garlic/parmesan and salt & pepper.
"I just love our chicken wing bar," said Jones. "It's tough for me to leave without some of those new chicken wings. As my wife could tell you, it's my new favourite thing."