After suddenly closing more than three and a half years ago, the No Frills on Coxwell Avenue is finally re-opening its doors after a huge renovation.
Customers and staff alike were shocked on the morning of May 11, 2016, when the Rocca’s No Frills unexpectedly closed down for renovations. The store was originally supposed to re-open last fall but repairs took longer than expected when most of the structure had to be demolished and then rebuilt.
“With these renovations, you don’t know what to expect. It took longer than we wanted it to be,” said store owner John Rocca. While the store was closed down, No Frills’ parent company, Loblaws Co. Ltd, offered shuttle service for customers to the next closest store on Carlaw Avenue.
The new store will be 18,000 square-feet and will continue to sell fresh food and groceries as well as more of a selection of natural food products. They will also be adding PC Express pickup service in the new year.
Loyal customers were lined up to attend the 7:30 a.m. re-opening ceremony, as No Frills has been a staple in the community since opening its first store in East York back in the summer of 1978.
“You go neighbourhood to neighbourhood across Beaches-East York, whether that’s grocery stores down on Queen Street, or supermarkets in Crescent Town, they make a huge difference,” said city councillor Brad Bradford. “Having a local supermarket is one of the best things about being in the neighbourhood, about that vibrancy and we are thrilled to have Rocca’s No Frills right back here in the neighbourhood.”
The first 250 customers received a giveaway that included a reusable shopping bag, chocolate chip cookies, chips and a cart coin.
Rocca is happy that the community has stuck with them through the lengthy delay and decided to come back and shop at their store. “They’re glad we’re here. They’ve been waiting for a while and we really appreciate their support and shopping and coming back.”