Grocer Celebrates 30 Years of “Always More For Less”
OTTAWA (ON) - August 28, 2025 - Food Basics officially opens its newest location today in Ottawa‑marking the discount banner’s 150th store in Ontario. The modern, 22,000 square foot site, located at 340 Queen Street, will employ a team of 90 people. In 2025, Food Basics is celebrating its 30th anniversary of offering "Always More for Less." This new store is the fifth to open in Ontario with two more stores scheduled to open later this year.
“We’re proud to bring Ottawa its first urban‑format Food Basics, offering even 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 urban‑concept store features tailored design and product selection to reflect the diversity of the Ottawa region. Customers will enjoy efficient layouts, fast self‑checkout options, and the same low prices Food Basics is known for. The store offers high‑quality, budget‑friendly Irresistible and Selection products, locally sourced items, fresh meat and produce, and hot BBQ chickens. 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 Mark McCleary, Store Manager, Food Basics. “I’m looking forward to opening our doors and welcoming everyone to our new store steps away from Lyon Station in downtown Ottawa.”
To further strengthen its commitment to the community, Food Basics will donate $5,000 to the Ottawa Food Bank, which is affiliated with Feed Ontario‑a long‑time partner, notably through One More Bite, METRO’s food recovery program. The program has distributed more than 35.5 million kilograms of food between 2016 and 2024, 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 August 28, the new Food Basics store will be open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. To celebrate the grand opening, gift bags will be given to the first 250 customers.
Canadian and proud since 1995
For 30 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 150 stores across Ontario.
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About METRO Inc.
With annual sales of more than $21 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 995 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.
For further information:
METRO Media Relations
media@metro.ca