Stong's building first new store in 26 years

Stong's Market will be opening a second store in North Vancouver. It will be the independent grocer's first new store in 26 years.

Cori Bonina, owner and fourth generation grocer, told Canadian Grocer she was approached by a group who wanted a local grocer to be part of their development. The location was a natural fit, as 20 years ago Stong's had up to four stores on the North Shore.

"The opportunity presented itself and we have always wanted to return to the North Shore," she said.

Bonina, district councillors, management and suppliers were among the 140 people who attended the ground breaking ceremony two weeks ago, on March 31.

Quality, outstanding customer service and a good selection of products are among the qualities Bonina hopes customers associates with Stong's, and ones she hopes to bring to the new location.

"It's what we like to call 'Real food for real people,'" she said. "We are about community, family values, relationships, transparency and being authentic in all we do."

The new store, which will be Stong's second, will feature a hot meat program, in-store pizza oven, full service meat and seafood counter, cafe and coffee shop.

Stong's will also move from its current location on Dunbar Street in Vancouver to a larger premise a few blocks up the street. "We plan to remain on Dunbar and will expand our offering when our current site is redeveloped," she said.