Seven Decades of Family Values and Fresh Excellence in Ontario Grocery
Longo Brothers Fruit Markets, affectionately known as Longo's, is commemorating a remarkable seventy-year journey of serving Ontario communities with unwavering dedication to quality, family standards, and community values. What began as a modest neighborhood fruit market in 1956 has blossomed into a trusted grocery brand with forty-three locations spread across the province, all while maintaining the core principles established by its founding brothers.
From Humble Beginnings to Provincial Presence
The Vaughan-based grocery chain traces its origins to the entrepreneurial vision of brothers Tommy, Joe, and Gus Longo. Their foundational business philosophy was elegantly simple yet profoundly impactful: We only serve our Guests what we would serve to our own families. This Family Standards approach has remained the guiding light for the company through decades of growth and evolution, influencing everything from produce sourcing and partnerships with Ontario farmers to the overall customer experience delivered in each store.
Anthony Longo, Executive Chair of Longo's, reflected on this significant milestone with pride and gratitude. "Seventy years is an incredible achievement, and I feel very proud," he stated. "It's also remarkable that our purpose has remained steadfast: we are, and will always be, a values-driven business built around our Guests, Team Members, partners, and community, just as my father and uncles intended."
Recognition and Evolution in Modern Grocery Retail
In a testament to their ongoing commitment to excellence, Longo's recently received distinguished recognition as the number one grocer in Ontario according to the 2026 WOW Study conducted by Léger. This prestigious ranking is based on comprehensive feedback from thousands of recent grocery store visitors across the province, highlighting Longo's success in creating efficient, welcoming, and customer-first shopping experiences during a period when consumers increasingly value both in-store atmosphere and perceived value.
Throughout its seven-decade history, the award-winning grocery chain has demonstrated remarkable adaptability while staying true to its Ontario roots and people-first culture. The company has consistently evolved to meet changing consumer needs through various innovations:
- Early adoption of grocery delivery services
- Development of prepared meal options
- Implementation of online ordering systems
- Creation of loyalty reward programs
- Enhancement of convenient in-store experiences
Deb Craven, President of Longo's, emphasized the company's balanced approach to growth. "Longo's has grown thoughtfully over time, always with an eye toward the future and a respect for where we came from," she explained. "As we look ahead, our focus is on continued expansion and innovation without compromising our values. Growth means nothing unless it's grounded in trust, quality, and the strong relationships we've built with our Guests, Team members, and partners."
A Year of Celebration and Community Engagement
To honor this significant seventy-year milestone, Longo's has planned an extensive celebration throughout its anniversary year. The company will focus on recognizing the people who have been instrumental to its success—customers, employees, and community partners alike. The anniversary festivities will include:
- Official anniversary events across various locations
- Introduction of special anniversary products
- Exclusive deals and promotions for customers
- Engaging in-store activations and experiences
- Special opportunities for loyal Thank You Rewards members
This celebration not only marks seven decades of business success but also reinforces Longo's ongoing commitment to the communities it serves across Ontario. From its beginnings as a small fruit market to its current status as a beloved provincial grocery institution, Longo's continues to demonstrate how family values, quality focus, and community engagement can create enduring success in the competitive retail grocery landscape.
