Shop local, shop indie

With skyrocketing food prices and big-chain profits, one Hamiltonian made it her mission to find local small grocers to support. Here are the gems she found.

In 2023, I embarked on a mission to replace all the grocery shopping dollars I usually spent at the big three grocery chains, with spending at locally owned shops. I had no idea what an adventure it would end up being to discover so many new businesses right in our community. 

What most people want to know is how much more expensive it is to shop local instead of big box? Honestly, I didn’t start this journey to save money. I was just trying to make a tiny difference, moving my meagre dollars from the pockets of billionaire owners to small business owners in our community. But I was pleasantly surprised to find all kinds of incredible deals out there, like Fiddes Wholesale Produce whose produce prices cannot be beat anywhere. Like the three packs of vegan jerky for $1 at Tan Thanh Supermarket that I still crave long after devouring them all. And that jar of moussaka for $2.49 at Punjab International that I paired with some mashed sweet potato was the best meal I ever had. 

Another concern I hear often: shopping local is time-consuming; shopping big-box grocery chain stores saves time because you can get everything in one place. Shopping at small grocers has added up to more trips overall, but it’s also taught me to plan out meals in advance, and to be more mindful of only buying the ingredients I need. Big-box shopping almost encourages you to “stock up” on everything possible and you end up spending enormous sums of money, with food spoiling before you have time to eat it.  

I’ve documented my journey on TikTok and Instagram in vlog form if you’re interested in getting a visual peek inside the shops on my indie grocery store list (watch @thegeneratorca). Here is the list:

HAMILTON 

NATIONS FRESH FOOD
Inside Jackson Square
nationsfreshfoods.ca/hamilton_flyer.html
Instagram: nationsfreshfood.hamilton

When the local grocery chain opened a location at Jackson Square just over a decade ago, it was an oasis in downtown’s food desert. The independent grocer is owned by Oceans Fresh Foods Market, which has a handful of stores in the Toronto area under the Oceans banner, as well as four Nations Fresh Food stores in the GTA. The Hamilton location was the second location and it bills itself as “where east meets west,” boasting a substantial and busy hot table department with a burger station, salads, sushi, Chinese BBQ and dim sum in eastern and western kitchens. The store overall is enormous with a super-sized produce section. Check out the snacks and pantry item aisles for interesting brands from around the world. The bakery counter is very large and inviting with its cases of enticing cakes and pastries. If you’re driving in to shop, park underground using the Bay Street entrance, take the elevator up and you can validate your parking receipt to get one hour of free parking. The LCBO is right next door offering even more convenience, as well as having an entire mall on its doorstep to knock a few more errands off your list. 

FIDDES WHOLESALE PRODUCE
60 Ewen Rd., Hamilton
IG: @fwp_hamilton

Fiddes is one of those urban legends you hear about like the hot tub at City Hall, but in this case it really does exist, it’s open to the public, and the deals on produce are pretty spectacular. Those who know visit very regularly. Nestled in the Ainsley Wood neighbourhood of west Hamilton, next to Fairweather Brewing, you’ll find an unassuming industrial garage with very little signage. The interior is just as spartan, and pretty produce displays are non-existent. There are carts though, and you should definitely fill it up because the produce here is very fresh and abundant, and you’ll not get a better deal on anything in any grocery store. Prices are not posted for anything, but staff are super friendly and you can ask for pricing. There are two separate walk-in fridges filled with goodies, but again little signage so they’re easy to miss. You can also pick up flats of fresh eggs. Fiddes is a popular supplier for many local restaurants and shops, so you’re getting high quality produce. Note: the shop only accepts cash and debit. Hours are limited, Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

SALTI’S MEDINA
1095 Fennell Ave. E. at Upper Ottawa, Hamilton
salti.ca
IG: @saltismedina

Salti’s is a mid-sized grocery store stocked with Middle Eastern foods, halal meat, and fresh produce. There is a large section of bulk items, with huge potential to save a lot of money on dried beans, nuts and seeds. It’s an adventure to wander the aisles and pick up your usual grocery staples but under all different brand names than you might be used to. There’s a section of dips like hummus and baba ganoush for around $2 a can, a huge savings over buying these items in the deli section of a big-chain grocery store. Follow on Instagram for deals on specific items. If you love trying new sweets, there are fresh baked treats like baklava, atayef and barazek. Pull up a stool at the retro style restaurant at the front of the store where you can order hot meals like falafel, shawarma platters and fattoush. Conveniently open daily from 9 a.m.-10 p.m., 365 days a year, with lots of free parking.

BAKE HEALTHI GLUTEN FREE BAKERY
1119 Fennell Ave. E., Hamilton
IG: @bakehealthigf

This bakery is well known among those who require a gluten-free diet for its fresh baked breads made by owner Keith every morning. Bakery cases are filled with mouth-watering treats, and shelves are well stocked with pantry staples. One section of the bakery case is devoted to baked goods that are both gluten-free and vegan, brought in from Hamilton’s own Fairly Frosted. There’s a freezer section as well for prepared foods and includes both gluten-free items and a section for more Fairly Frosted items, including handcrafted dairy-free ice cream. Eating gluten-free is a great way to expand your nutritional intake, as much of the western diet relies so much on one grain, wheat, and gluten-free baking includes a variety of different grains like amaranth and teff. Bake Healthi is a one-man show, so when you go in to shop, you’ll get to meet Keith, who is very friendly and happy to share his story of going from working in emergency services to baking. Free parking on site and easy access to transit.

EAST HAMILTON CHEESE COMPANY
205 Ottawa St. N. Hamilton
order.online/store/east-hamilton-cheese-company-hamilton-24435876
IG: @easthamiltoncheeseco

East Hamilton Cheese Co. is a one-woman show, run by Yvette Cowe who believes strongly in locally made products, and focuses on working with local cheese makers for her shop as much as possible. Earlier this year, the business moved a few doors down from its original location and expanded to offering frozen prepared meals from Hamilton brand Zarky’s. The addition of a freezer full of heat-and-eat meals rounds out this little shop as a one-stop-shop for a wonderful dinner at home. Fresh, locally made sourdough breads from Larry Therapy are available weekly, along with crackers, jams, chutneys, pickles, sauerkraut and, of course, a huge selection of cheeses. Vegan cheeses from renowned Guelph company Green Goddess Fromagerie are stocked in a variety of flavours. If you’re looking to do a little entertaining, pick up a gorgeous charcuterie board, handmade by Brinnic Woodworks, a woman-owned small business out of Flamborough. Metered parking in front, with easy transit access.

TAN THANH SUPERMARKET
115 Park St. N. at Cannon, Hamilton

A family-owned Asian market that expanded into its current location over a decade ago, this is a medium-sized grocery store that has a little bit of everything. There’s a large meat and seafood counter, produce section, frozen prepared foods, dairy and eggs, plus many aisles of pantry items, and a small pharmacy/toiletry section. In the produce area, much real estate is taken up by the impressive variety of mushrooms. The rice and noodle aisle is massive, as is the loose-leaf tea selection. The snack aisle is fun to peruse, as you’ll find so many different brands that you won’t see in any of the big-box stores. The same goes for the single-serve beverage fridge, which is extensive, and very interesting to browse all the character-themed drinks. It’s worth noting that there are a lot of unique plant-based products at Tan Thanh – even the soy milk brand was one that you’d not find in any chain grocery store. Free parking on site.

BARTON LETTUCE
337 Barton St. E, Hamilton
bartonlettuce.com
IG: @bartonlettuce

A pint-sized fresh market in the heart of Barton Village, Barton Lettuce is a nice surprise in a food desert. Offering an array of fresh produce at fair prices, the shop has expanded into a variety of grocery items since Alexandra Sinclair and her husband Matthew opened it in the midst of the pandemic in 2021. Produce is local, Ontario-grown when possible, while still offering a full array of vegetables and fruit like avocados and pineapple. The ripest produce is separated and on display in the fridge, so you’re able to easily select what you need at that moment. Pantry staples like grains and beans, spices, nuts, baking basics, plus canned goods are arranged to make use of every square inch of the shop. Fresh breads and pies are brought in regularly, as well as dairy and cheese. Plant-based alternatives are represented well in the form of cheeses, milks, ice creams, and prepared frozen foods. In spring, take advantage of the seedlings available for your garden, and the rest of the year you can find houseplants and cut flowers. Open seven days a week, and even most holidays. Metered street parking in front, with easy access to transit.

PICONE FINE FOOD
34 King St. W, Dundas
piconefinefood.ca
IG: @piconefinefood

Picone has been operating in the same Dundas location for more than 100 years. The shop was opened in 1915 by Joseph Picone Sr., a new immigrant from Sicily, after running a door-to-door produce delivery business in Dundas. This shop is beloved in the neighbourhood. Staff greet customers by name and are very welcoming to new customers. It’s the place you go when you’re planning a special dinner, or hosting a party and want to serve some really delicious food. The produce is sourced from local farmers so you know you’re always getting the freshest. Everything you need to make a delectable spread is offered here: imported oils, olives, chutneys and jellies, crackers and pickles. Fresh bread comes from De La Terre Bakery and there is a section of rustic meals to go that are made in house and really are next level. The menu for the week is shared on Tuesday mornings, and the shop recommends calling to reserve as they often sell out. You’ll find beautiful displays of potted plants and cut flowers tempting you as the perfect touch for your dinner party. Metered parking in front with easy transit access.

RINCÓN PAISA
958 Upper Wellington St., Hamilton
IG: @rinconpaisahamilton

Rincón Paisa is one of those spots that everyone should know about, but those in the know keep this one to themselves. It’s a small grocery owned by a Colombian family, with a hot counter and small, tidy seating area. It’s obvious that the popularity of the place is due to the delicacies available at the hot counter, as the seats are mostly occupied by patrons enjoying the house-made empanadas, tamales, tortas and more. The grocery portion of the shop is stocked with tasty Colombian ingredients like refried beans, tostadas and sauces. A limited number of fresh produce items are available including very large avocados. A freezer section offers ready-to-eat meals and snacks. The hot counter also offers house-made pastries and sweet treats. The shop is open daily with limited parking in front and easy transit access.

STARSKY FINE FOODS
685 Queenston Rd., Hamilton
starskycanada.com
IG: @starskycanada

Starsky is a small local grocery chain with three locations – two in Mississauga and one in Hamilton on Queenston Road. The store is expansive and clean, with gorgeous large produce displays that entice you to linger a bit longer. The meat and deli counter is bright, clean, seemingly endless and one of the more popular areas with shoppers. The miles of candy, chocolate and bakery cases are a browser’s delight. There’s a focus on eastern European cuisine, and thus you’ll find many different products and brands at Starsky than you’d find at one of the big three grocery chains. Traversing the long bright aisles is a bit of an adventure with so many new things to see. The tea aisle has huge bundles of herbs packaged up in foot-long lengths. If you’re a pierogi fan, you have your choice from freezer after freezer full of flavours and brands. A useful bonus, staff wear name tags indicating which languages they speak. Open daily with a very large parking lot and easy transit access.

PUNJAB INTERNATIONAL
822 Queenston Rd, Stoney Creek
punjabinternational.ca
FB: @PunjabInternational

Punjab International is a little like taking a trip around the world, and every aisle is a different country. Started as a South Asian grocery store in 1977, Punjab International has evolved into a truly international market. You can find Latin American foods, eastern European, Indian, and brands from Serbia, the Netherlands, Poland, and so many more. What really sets this store apart, though, is the inventory of cooking and baking ingredients. As the exterior signage proclaims as you enter, “If we don’t have it, probably it was never made.” If you’re looking for anything specialty, you’ll find it here. There are many different varieties of flours and flour alternatives, every kind of rice, beans and seeds, and the spice and dried herbs selection is very extensive. If you’re looking for an ingredient that the store doesn’t carry, staff will make note and find it for you. Many ingredients are available in the bulk section, and you’ll also find cheeses, smoked and dried meats. Free parking in the surrounding parking lot with good transit access. 

COVEN MARKET
949 Main St. E., Hamilton
covenmarket.com
IG: @thecovenmarket

Coven is a 100 per cent plant-based market, but even if you don’t follow a vegan diet, you’ll want to take note of this business as a future must visit. If you have vegetarian or vegan family or friends coming over, this is your one easy stop to get what you need. Hit the coolers with the Coven brand salads, sandwich fillings and sauces – they are incredible and will satisfy anyone’s palate. Ditto the bakery case and don't forget the challah buns, they are made in house and they are legendary. At the back of the store you’ll find a sandwich counter where you can get a breakfast sandwich, chicken salad, pulled “pork”, BLT, or grab a single-serve dessert to go from the bakery case. You’ll have a hard time choosing from tiramisu, cheese cake, Black Forest cake, cinnamon buns layered thick with frosting. You can order from Ubereats or sign up for grocery delivery. Every kind of meat alternative you can imagine is available, along with faux cheeses, dairy, pantry staples, and heat-and-serve entrees, both individual and family-sized. There are a few free parking spots in front and transit is easily accessible.

DYMENT’S MARKET
416 Fallsview Rd. E., Dundas
dyments.com
IG: @dymentsmarket

With the growing season back in full swing, Dyment’s Market is worth the trip. The rustic market is located next to Glen Drummond Farm, the source of much of its farm fresh goodies. The outer porch wraps around the market and is laden with colourful fruits and vegetables, so you’re already weighed down with a basket full of treasures before you enter the market and are hit in the face with the smell of fresh-baked pies that line every square inch of shelf space as you walk in. The bank of freezers along one wall are filled with frozen pies both sweet and savoury, plus ready-to-heat-and-eat hearty meals like shepherd’s pie and lasagna, soups, and meats from local farms. You can pick up your milk, eggs and cheese, and the bakery on site also cranks out breads, cakes, cookies, scones, and bars which tempt you in a large case at the check out. There’s a large gravel parking lot with cars often spilling out into the grassy field beside during peak season. 

MI RANCHITO PRODUCTOS LATINOS
398 Concession St., Hamilton
IG: @miranchito_productos_latinos

This little locally owned grocery store is a great place to support the local economy and spend some of your grocery budget. Grab ingredients for a quick, super-tasty dinner of tostadas piled high with refried beans and peppers in the oven for a couple minutes then add chopped tomatoes, lettuce, avocado and drizzle with a poblano cremosa you can find with all the salsas and sauces. Mi Ranchito also carries the cotija cheeses and sausages you need for your tacos and other authentic Mexican dishes, as well as fresh produce like serrano peppers. The snack aisle is the most popular, with a vast variety of imported flavours of Doritos, Tostitos, and other salty snacks. Recently, the owners of Mi Ranchito have expanded into a second location further down Concession Street, offering take-out Mexican food like tamales, pozole and flautas. Metered parking available in front of the store and easy access to transit. 

ANCASTER CHEESE
356 Wilson St. E., Ancaster
ancastercheese.ca
IG: @ancastercheese

Ancaster Cheese is a lovely specialty grocery shop in the heart of Ancaster Village, run by the friendliest owners, Milap and Arnie, and their dog Momo. They are engaging and quick to offer you a sample of the latest cheese to come in. The cheese selection is carefully curated to offer a variety of the very best flavours. The shop also carries everything you need for a nice picnic at one of the nearby waterfalls, including crackers, smoked meats, jams and jellies, and desserts. You can order ahead to have a charcuterie picnic put together for you. You’ll also find a number of wonderful locally made brands like Nutty Hero, The Urban Vine’s olive oils and balsamic vinegars, Pierogi Me!, and the award-winning plant-based cheeses from Green Goddess Fromagerie. Pick up something for a quick dinner like individual or family-sized Allison’s Savory Pot Pies, or Smithers Sausages, and Carla’s buttertarts for dessert. Plenty of free parking in the plaza’s parking lot and easy transit access.

ZARKY’S
3 Hamilton locations: 20 Hempstead Dr., 558 Concession St., 264 Dundurn St. S.
zarkys.com
IG: @zarkysfinefoods

The Concession Street location of the local franchise Zarky’s (which has one other Mountain location, and one downtown) was opened in 1985 by the Zarcone family and is still family-owned and operated today. Many a parent in Hamilton knows the convenience of having a scratch-made meal ready to go thanks to Zarky’s. Entrees come in extra-large family size, medium and single serve, and include beef lasagna, vegetable lasagna, shepherd’s pie, chicken parm, cannelloni, and stuffed peppers. Aside from the substantial prepared meals section, Zarky’s carries most things you’d grab in a typical grocery run – fresh breads, cheese and deli, milk and dairy, produce, condiments, and snacks. Zarky’s is a great place to pick up a dessert too, with fresh-baked cakes and pies, and frozen bars and cheesecakes. The superstore on Hempstead has free parking and the Concession and Dundurn locations have street parking. All three locations have good transit access.  

BURLINGTON

MARILU’S MARKET
4025 New St., Burlington
marilusmarket.com
IG: @marilusmarket

Started in 1993 as a gourmet grocery store by Mario Antico and Luigi Nudo, Marilu's Market is still family-owned three decades later, run by Mike Antico and Daniel Nudo.  When you enter, you’ll be impressed by the woodwork everywhere, giving it a warm, homey feel. Shelves are stocked immaculately, and every department has beautiful enticing displays. The butcher counter is expansive, and the cases are lined with an array of individually portioned meats with many marinade choices. The produce and bakery sections are similarly gorgeous. There is a focus on single portions throughout the store, including the grab-and-go meals where you can find both family-sized and individual versions of chicken fajitas, shepherd’s pie, chicken pot pie and more. There is a household items aisle with basics like toilet paper and cleaning products, making this a true one-stop-grocery-shop, and although Marilu’s offers many gourmet specialty items, the price points for many basic items were not higher than the average chain grocery store. And if you’re hosting a dinner party or doing some entertaining, this is exactly the store you want to visit to pick up those extra-special foods to impress. Free parking in the large attached lot.

VILLAGE BOUTIQUE FOODS
2049 Pine St., Burlington
IG: @villageboutiquefood

This little shop is a great spot if you’re into protein powders, high protein or keto snacks. They carry an abundance of protein powders, including vegan options, in large sizes. A wall of fridges are well stocked with a variety of energy drinks like Prime, Body Armor, Liquid Death and ZOA. There are many different gluten-free products like crackers and pastas, and many are vegan too. Look for the locally made products in the shop such as Nutty Hero (a delicious alternative to peanut butter made with 12 nuts and seeds with flavours like maple cinnamon), The Hearty Hooligan’s handmade vegan pizza pockets, and Sobrii’s alcohol-free spirits for making alcohol-free cocktails at home. There’s a chest freezer stocked with Toronto eatery Piano Piano’s frozen pizzas. If you enjoy nipping over the border for food products occasionally, you’ll love that this shop carries Trader Joe’s and other U.S. brands like Lesser Evil popcorn. The setting of the shop in Burlington’s picturesque Village Square makes it a destination – plan to stop for a coffee and treat at a neighbouring café in the courtyard.

INDIAN GROCERS
64 Hamilton St. N., Waterdown
IG: @indiangrocerscanada

Indian Grocers opened as an independent grocery store in Burlington 16 years ago, and was purchased four years ago by the family that currently runs it. They have now opened a second location in Waterdown, with plans to open a third in St. Catharines. The shelves are stocked with goods that will immerse you in Indian culture and flavours. There is a fresh produce section, dairy cooler, and a large frozen prepared meals section. You can find many alternative flours, dry goods in bulk sizes, as well as a plethora of spices, condiments, chutneys and cooking sauces. The snack aisles are extensive with many brands of imported cookies, along with a huge variety of savoury snacks. The highlight of the store is a small counter serving freshly made large samosas ($1 each for veggie samosas when I visited!) and other traditional Indian quick bites and desserts. A great addition to the grocery scene in Waterdown: prices were very reasonable, and the store is immaculate, tidy, with friendly staff. Plenty of free parking.