Longo’s Expands Footprint with New Store Openings in Vaughan and Future Plans for Etobicoke and Niagara

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. Longo's New Store in Kleinburg
4. Future Expansion Plans
5. Community Impact and Local Sourcing
6. The Longo's Legacy and Family Values
7. Conclusion
8. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Longo’s recently opened its 42nd store in Kleinburg, Vaughan, showcasing a commitment to customer service and product quality.
• The company plans to expand further, with new locations set for Etobicoke and Niagara in the coming years.
• Longo’s maintains a strong focus on community connection and fresh product offerings, emphasizing a “family feel” in shopping experience.

Introduction

As Canadians increasingly prioritize local brands and fresh foods, grocery chains are evolving to meet the demands of modern consumers. A remarkable example is Longo's, a family-operated grocery store chain that has recently amplified its presence in Ontario. The opening of its 42nd location at 6530 Major Mackenzie Drive W in Kleinburg marks both a significant milestone for the company and a response to the region's growing residential demand. Longo's commitment to quality and community-centered service sets a notable example in the evolving Canadian grocery landscape, a sector that has been actively adapting to new consumer preferences and challenges.

In this article, we will explore the recent store openings by Longo's, its unique offerings, future expansion plans, and the implications of its growth for the local community and the grocery market in Southern Ontario.

Longo's New Store in Kleinburg

Longo’s latest store in Kleinburg represents more than just an outlet for groceries; it embodies the chain's deep-rooted connection with the Vaughan community. This store is the seventh location within Vaughan and features an extensive array of products, fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and locally sourced meats. According to Anthony Longo, the CEO of Longo's, the brand is well-established in the Vaughan area, recognized for its quality and customer service.

“The location itself is on the northwest side of Vaughan, and it’s an area that’s growing rapidly,” Longo said. “We think it’s going to be a great site long term. They’re continuing to build houses, and it fits our demographics—all the things we look for.”

Emphasis on Freshness and Customer Service

Longo’s supermarket model is built around three core differentiators: exceptional customer service, a focus on fresh products, and proprietary brand exclusives. The company has heavily invested in revamping its fresh food departments, ensuring that they are not only appealing but also offer high-quality items that stand out in the market.

“Our focus has always been on creating an exceptional connection with our customers, treating them like family,” Anthony Longo explains. “We believe we have the best fresh departments in this market, from produce to prepared foods, meat, seafood, bakery, and deli.”

Innovative Store Design and Offerings

The new Kleinburg store showcases innovative design elements that enhance the shopping experience. One of the significant changes includes an open butcher shop concept where customers can interact directly with butchers, creating a more personalized shopping atmosphere. This strategy fosters customer trust and engagement, qualities that Longo’s considers essential to its operation.

Furthermore, the store features unique selling propositions, such as an in-store Starbucks, a hot buffet, ready-made meals, and gourmet sandwiches. With these varied options, Longo's aims to cater to busy families looking for quick and high-quality meal solutions.

Future Expansion Plans

Following the successful opening of the Kleinburg store, Longo's has laid out an ambitious plan for further expansions, including a new location in Etobicoke on Queensway near Kipling, expected to launch later this year. This represents Longo’s first entry into Etobicoke, a significant milestone given the area’s dense population and demand for grocery options.

“This is going to be a great opportunity for us to serve that community,” Longo stated. “We’ve been looking for a site in that area for years.”

Additionally, in 2026, Longo's intends to open its first store in Welland, Niagara. The Welland store will not only diversify the brand's presence but also tap into an emerging market with considerable growth potential.

Community Impact and Local Sourcing

Longo's commitment to local sourcing and community engagement is very much an integral part of its operations. The Kleinburg store, similar to previous locations, focuses on fresh, high-quality products sourced from trusted local suppliers.

Deb Craven, President of Longo's, emphasized the importance of community relationships. “At Longo’s Kleinburg, we are excited to deepen our connection with the community,” she said. This includes local partnerships that foster economic growth and sustainability, reinforcing Longo's role as a neighborhood staple.

The Importance of Local Sourcing

Sourcing locally not only supports community economies but also sustains longer-lasting relationships with suppliers. Longo's has taken measures to integrate local products into its assortment, enhancing the shopping experience while supporting Ontario farmers and producers.

The store carries a wide range of products, including fresh produce, locally sourced meats, and specialty products under its own branded line, "Curato," which focuses on 100% Italian imported goods. These include pastries, oils, cheeses, and various specialty items, which appeal to customers looking for authenticity and quality.

The Longo's Legacy and Family Values

Founded in 1956 by Tommy Longo and his brothers Joe and Gus, Longo’s operates with the same family-based values that have characterized the business for nearly 70 years. The company’s initial focus was on providing fresh produce, a commitment that has not wavered through its substantial growth.

Today, Longo's operates 42 stores in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond while consistently prioritizing customer satisfaction and quality. Anthony Longo notes, “Each new location is a testament to the family values and standards that have defined us for almost 70 years.”

Future Generations and Sustainability

As Longo’s ventures into new markets and continues embracing innovations in customer service and product offerings, the company remains attentive to sustainable practices. This philosophy aligns with the values of a growing segment of consumers who prioritize environmentally friendly and socially responsible brands.

Longo’s aspirations indicate a focus not merely on expansion but on creating spaces that are regenerative and beneficial for future generations in the communities they serve.

Conclusion

The recent openings of Longo's new stores in Vaughan highlight the chain's strategy of combining fresh produce, customer-first service, and local community engagement. As Longo’s looks to the future with plans for expansion in Etobicoke and Niagara, it is well-positioned to adapt to changing consumer preferences while upholding its values of quality and family-oriented service.

Longo's journey from a small fruit market to a leading grocery chain is an exemplary narrative of how local businesses can thrive by fostering community relationships and focusing on quality and innovation. As they move forward, maintaining this balance will be crucial in a competitive grocery landscape.

FAQ

1. Where is the new Longo's store located?

The new Longo's store is located at 6530 Major Mackenzie Drive W in Kleinburg, Vaughan.

2. What are Longo's plans for future expansions?

Longo's plans to open additional stores in Etobicoke and Welland, Niagara, in the coming years.

3. What products does Longo's offer?

Longo's offers a range of products including fresh produce, locally sourced meats, artisanal cheeses, gourmet sandwiches, and its unique brand line "Curato."

4. How does Longo's differentiate itself in the market?

Longo's differentiates itself through exceptional customer service, a focus on fresh products, and its exclusive offerings, making the shopping experience more personalized.

5. What community initiatives does Longo's support?

Longo's supports local suppliers and farmers by sourcing ingredients locally, enhancing community relationships while promoting sustainability and economic growth.