It’s a hive of activity at the Grocery Basket before the doors even open. At 4 AM, the baker arrives and fires up the oven, filling the space with the unmistakable scent of freshly baked goods. By 8 AM, the cafe opens and Kingston’s early risers file in for their morning coffee and a quick chat. By the time lunch rolls around, the team has been moving at a steady pace, bringing in deliveries and meeting with local suppliers.
Keep in mind that The Grocery Basket is also a store. Talk about a full plate.
“We’re really happy to talk with [local growers and producers] each week and find out what they’re bringing to the table.”
Michelle Pilon, The Grocery Basket
Since opening two years ago in their Princess Street location, The Grocery Basket has evolved. A second Ontario Street location has opened, bringing the local products that customers were asking for, to even more Kingstonians. It’s The Grocery Basket’s mandate, after all. They stock only the products their customers want. Why let unwanted products go to waste — especially when they’re as fresh as the goods sourced from local Frontenac County producers?
The Grocery Basket’s relationship with its customers and local growers has been years in the making and is constantly growing, according to owner Michelle Pilon.
“We have some of the same producers now that we started with,” she says. “We’re really happy to talk with them each week and find out what they’re bringing to the table.”
“Our Suppliers Spotlight series is an opportunity for our suppliers to come into the store, meet directly with our clients and sample their products,” Michelle explains.
And there are a lot of local suppliers, too. Grocery Basket works with Wilton Wheat Kings for their twice-weekly deliveries of fresh bread; Limestone Organic Creamery brings the dairy; and Patchwork Gardens keeps the store well-stocked with organic produce.
“The local food movement is really inspiring because we get to work with our local farmers and we see how passionate they are about their work,” she continues. “To be able to bring it to our customers and have access to it every single day at our stores… It’s really what we’re striving for.”
Inspired by small, independently owned grocery shops in European villages, The Grocery Basket wanted to create a welcoming environment for Kingstonians. Michelle envisioned a place where shoppers could stroll in, grab their groceries for the day, maybe something freshly made to take back to work for lunch, and learn more about where their food came from.
It’s an attractive business model. Who doesn’t want to become a “regular” at their local shop, cafe, or deli — and The Grocery Basket just happens to be all three.
In addition to selling these tasty treats, you can enjoy time on their rooftop patio at 260 Princess Street. Reserve their patio package ($15 + tax) which includes a signature sandwich, a fresh salad, a house-baked cookie + a spot to enjoy your picnic on their patio. Seatings are 90 minutes long with the option to add local cider, beer, and more.
Learn more about some of The Grocery Basket’s favourite producers, like Limestone Organic Creamery.
