News Briefs

Hasty Market, the parent company for The Market On recently finalized a franchise agreement with new partners Bilal and Azzra (last names witheld), marking the latest milestone in the brand's footprint. 

Redefining modern convenience retail

Designed to pivot away from traditional corner-store expectations, The Market On places a heavy emphasis on elevated product mix and food service. The banner focuses on delivering a modern convenience retail experience driven primarily by fresh items and prepared food options.

Signing days represent a crucial step for new store owners taking the leap into community-based entrepreneurship, according to Marietta Cini, vice-president of operations and sales for Hasty Market, who shared the announcement on LinkedIn. Cini, a 2023 Star Women in Convenience Winner, stated, "Signing days are always special as it represent an important milestone in a franchisee’s entrepreneurial journey, the decision to take a risk, build something of their own and create a business in their community."

In a LinkedIn post, Cini welcomed the new enterpreneurs to the chain. "We’re excited to welcome Bilal and Azzra to the brand and bring The Market On to London.
We currently have four locations across Ontario, with three more positioned to open over the next six months."

Strategic growth across Ontario

The upcoming London location joins a growing network for the convenience brand. 

Hasty Market has expanded to 130 locations across our family of banners, including Hasty Market, Mini-A-Mart, and The Market On. actively operating across Ontario. Founded in 1981 by Joe Farah, the chain recently welcomed its latest addition in Kitchener, Ontario.

A measured approach focused on slow, intentional growth alongside the right franchise partners and real estate locations.

Hasty Market remains committed to scaling The Market On through strategic site selection and aligned franchise operators as it expands its footprint across the province.

KaleMart24 is growing its presence in Ontario with the addition of new franchise partners Parmeet and Dajit, who plan to open a location in the core of Toronto. The company's press release did not disclose the franchisees' last names. 

The move marks another step in the convenience chain's expansion across the province and builds its footprint in Canada's largest urban market.

A modern take on convenience retail

Entrepreneurs Parmeet and Dajit were drawn to the company's approach to modern retail, which focuses on how today's consumers live, shop and eat.

Their planned downtown Toronto store will feature fresh prepared food, organic beverages,  better-for-you snacks and everyday convenience items in a “technology-driven environment,” according to the company’s LinkedIn post.

KaleMart24 was created to offer consumers a healthier option to convenience foodservice. The company aims to provide a new alternative in the category by pairing quick service and accessibility with healthier food choices and premium drinks.

Supporting franchise growth in key urban markets

"Toronto represents an important market for the future of KaleMart24 and we're excited to continue building our presence in the heart of the city," said Oussama Saoudi Hassani, founder of KaleMart24. "Parmeet and Dajit bring the entrepreneurial mindset, motivation and commitment we look for in our franchise partners. We're very happy to welcome them to the network and look forward to building a successful Toronto location together."

By joining the franchise network, Parmeet and Dajit will gain access to the brand's systems, supplier network, technology, training and operational support.

As KaleMart24 expands across Ontario, the brand remains focused on partnering with entrepreneurs who want to help build the next generation of convenience retail.

Centex continues to grow: The expanding chain of gas station convenience stores have a new location in Monkland, On. 

The new store is now open and operational. In a LinkedIn post, the company said that they are "looking forward to serving the local community and becoming part of the neighbourhood." 

This recent addition to the Centex retail chain is located at 17400 Country Road 43, Monkland, Ontario. 

Centrex welcomes its newest Gomarket and gas station at 1052 Clonsilla avenue, in Peterborough, Ont. 

The new location announced in LinkedIn that the latest Ontario franchise is operational: The convenience store and the forecourt are up and running and the staff look forward to meeting new neighbours. 

Centrex also celebrated the grand opening of Makwa with the Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation in Loon Lake, Sask. Their grand opening day was marked with more than games and celebration: It was filled with meaningful moments and community spirit. In their LinkedIn post, Makwa stated that they are "grateful to welcome community members, leadership, vendors, and customers as we marked this important milestone together."

Centrex Petroleum's celebratory post also thanked the Elders for leading the opening prayer and ceremonial cake cutting, and to Chief Melvin and Council, and "our valued vendors for being part of the celebration."

The 7-Eleven store at 55 Main Street in Selkirk, Manitoba, closed in mid-August without any public notice or formal press release from Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd., its parent company. 

Though there have not been any comments yet from 7-Eleven Canada, the locals of Selkirk do not feel that issues like crime were to cause the store's closure, according to a CTV report. 

The closure comes as a surprise, as Winnipeg is known as the Slurpee Capital of the World, and Manitoba boasts the most Slurpees sold in Canada. Winnipeg's love of Slurpees even inspired Winnipeg to name a street "Slurpee Way" in 2018.

READ: 'Slurpee Capital of the World' crown about to be usurped

Although 7-Eleven's first quarter earnings are promising, there have been closures of stores that were underperforming throughout the year. The convenience giant has reshaped its offerings and is strategizing to remodel stores with a fresh take on food-focused design using 7-Eleven’s “new standard” design, first unveiled in 2024.

READ: 7-Eleven's transformation plans take shape

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced that the Creamy Milk Chocolate brand of Hershey's Kisses were recalled, due to undeclared almond. 

Retailers should check to see if they have recalled products, and not to serve, use, sell or distribute recalled products. 

Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased.

The following UPCs were affected: