Fortinos
Fortinos is a Canadian supermarket chain operating 21 stores in Ontario as of 2007. It is part of Loblaw Companies Limited.
History
In 1961, Italian immigrant steelworker John Fortino opened his first Fortinos store in Hamilton, Ontario. In 1972, John took on seven partners and opened a second store on Hamilton Mountain. Due to their growing success, subsequent stores were opened in Hamilton, Burlington and Brampton. Fortinos then became a part of Loblaw Companies Limited in 1988. During the 1990s, Fortinos focused on the Greater Toronto Area, opening stores in Toronto, Woodbridge and Markham. Only two Toronto stores remain along with its Brampton, Burlington, Oakville and Woodbridge locations in the GTA. John Fortino died of cancer on May 17, 2011 at the age of 76. In 2012 a memorial to the founder was erected at the flagship Mall Road store in Hamilton.
The "Fortinos Adventure" store concept
Introduced in Burlington in 1996, the concept calls for a re-creation of a European streetscape. With small shops at the front, the store opens up to a large open-market-style fresh produce and deli area. The Butcher Block allows a customer to order special deli cuts.
Locations
Ontario
There are 22 stores within Ontario.
See also
- List of Canadian supermarkets
External links
