I wanted to share a photo with you of a Longo’s “celebrity” seen on TV at the Olympic Games.
This is Pat Pessotto, our VP, Grocery Merchandising taking in the action at the Women’s Team Canada gold medal game.
Since we had to say goodbye to all of the great games at CHP (Canada’s Hockey Place), we’re now saying “hello” to The Market, by Longo’s at HBC (Hudson’s Bay Company). Our newest store is located at the foot of the HBC building at Yonge and Bloor Streets. Earlier this week, we hosted 30 people from the local media for an exclusive sneak peak. Our group of Food Experts shared not only their knowledge of their respective areas of expertise, but also their passion for food and for what they do best.
(Tom Sfetkopolous - Bakery Category Manager, Joe Nacevic - Seafood Specialist, Rosanne Longo - Longo's Spokesperson, Lucy Antonacci - Cheese & Deli Category Manager, Anthony Davis - Director of Food Services, Mimmo Franzone - Produce Category Manager)
We enjoyed the company of a great group of really enthusiastic people from various media sources (TV, radio, newspaper and magazines). Some of these celebrities included Roger Ashby from CHUM-FM and Erin Davis and Mike Cooper from CHFI-FM. Thanks for joining us!
(from Canadian Living Online: Colleen Tully, Tasio Rivero, Jennifer Murray, Danielle Pelton)
(Mike Cooper from CHFI and his wife, Deborah)
(Today I learned that instead of renting it, we really do
own this podium LOL!)
Their genuine interest and positive feedback tells us that we have the offerings that consumers are demanding… fresh, healthy and unique alternatives to fast food. This marks Longo’s 20th GTA location and our 3rd urban format store, elevating the downtown core grocery shopping experience to a sensory adventure in food with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients, healthy ready-to-eat meals and CONVENIENCE!
The Market, by Longo’s incorporates all of the fresh departments and offerings of our traditional format stores, including a smaller offering of grocery, dairy and frozen goods. It really is the small store that has everything, including floral!
One of the appeals to the busy working core of Toronto will definitely be the Prepared Foods Hot Counter and Salad and Fruit Bar. With a rotating lunch and dinner menu made fresh throughout the day, customers can feel good about picking up ready-made meals from Longo’s Kitchen. They are made with the freshest ingredients with no added preservatives and nothing is fried.
Customers are excited about our Stone Oven Pizza, made-to-order. Anthony Davis shared this tip: “The toppings on a great, gourmet pizza should never outweigh the crust.” When you are in the mood for a protein rush, stop by our hot carving station for a signature Ultimate Sandwich…we call it our BFS (Big Fat Sandwich). It’s corned beef, pastrami or turkey, piled high on authentic Silverstein’s Rye Bread.
With full-service meat and seafood and bakery departments and a deli boasting a wide variety of local and imported cheese, you can be sure to find everything you are looking for today.
Lucy suggests we try Longo’s Cheese of the Month – Drunken Goat Cheese. I’m sure there’s a very interesting story behind that one!
Erin Davis from CHFI-FM pointed out that we are opening our 3rd downtown location on the 3rd day of the 3rd month (she’s a numbers person). I hope this brings us luck! Read more from her online journal: http://www.erindavis.com/journal.php
And a final note to thank my good friend, SQ who took time from her busy schedule to join me and took some great photos, not to mention reminding me to “breath” (yes, it’s still nerve-racking to speak in front of a group of people!)