Grocer Creates 90 Jobs with the Opening of its 154th Store in Ontario
GRAND BEND (ON) – May 7, 2026 – Food Basics officially opens today its newest location in Grand Bend. The modern, 32,000+ square foot site, located at 54 Main Street East, will employ a team of 90 people and is the discount banner’s 154th store in the province. This new store is the third of eight to open in 2026.
“We are excited to be able to bring Food Basics to the community of Grand Bend, offering more ways for residents to save on quality products,” said John Manax, Vice President of Operations, Food Basics. “No matter where you live, people are always looking for ways to save. Residents who may be first-time shoppers at Food Basics will get to know us as a discount grocer that is a reliable source for fresh, always in-stock, healthy food at great prices.”
The new and contemporary store offers a tailored product selection to reflect the diversity of Lambton County and Southwestern Ontario. Customers will be able to shop for high-quality, budget-friendly Irrésistible and Selection products, locally sourced products, fresh meat and produce, along with fresh BBQ chicken. Additionally, customers can earn Moi Rewards and have the option to order groceries online at Foodbasics.ca at the same low prices as in store.
“Our main goal is to provide our customers with the best discount shopping experience possible with the most value at the lowest prices possible,” said Rob Firman, Store Manager, Food Basics. “I’m looking forward to opening our doors and welcoming everyone to our new and modern store here in Grand Bend.”
To further strengthen its commitment to the community, Food Basics will donate $5,000 to the Grand Bend Food Pantry and will partner with the store as part of One More Bite, METRO’s food recovery program. The program has distributed nearly 45 million kilograms of food between 2016 and 2025, helping to fight food insecurity while keeping waste out of landfills. This donation will help support local families and strengthen Food Basics’ long‑standing commitment to fighting food insecurity.
Starting May 7, the new Food Basics store will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. To celebrate the grand opening, gift bags will be given to the first 250 customers with tasty samples throughout the day.
Canadian and proud since 1995
For 31 years, Food Basics has been helping customers save money on their grocery needs by providing Always More for Less. Food Basics operates on three guiding principles: Always Fresh, Always in Stock and Always at Great Prices. Food Basics is the discount banner of Metro Ontario Inc. and currently operates 154 stores across Ontario.
About METRO Inc.
With annual sales of more than $22 billion, METRO Inc. is a food and pharmacy leader in Québec and Ontario, providing employment to more than 97,000 people. Its purpose is to Nourish the health and well‑being of our communities. As a retailer, franchisor, distributor, manufacturer, and provider of eCommerce services, the company operates or services a network of some 1,000 food stores under several banners including Metro, Metro Plus, Super C, Food Basics, Adonis and Première Moisson, and some 640 pharmacies primarily under the Jean Coutu, Brunet, Metro Pharmacy and Food Basics Pharmacy banners. For more details, visit corpo.metro.ca and follow the latest news on LinkedIn.
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