News Briefs

North Sun Energy has promoted its former category manager, Brandon Rehill to the position of director of convenience. The new director announced the career milestone on LinkedIn, expressing enthusiasm for taking on expanded responsibilities within the organization.

Driving strategy and growth at North Sun Energy

In the new role, the director will focus on advancing North Sun Energy's convenience business segment by building on existing team accomplishments, deepening industry partnerships and supporting the company's long-term business goals.

Rehill shared gratitude for the opportunity to continue advancing within the organization, thanking team members and partners who supported the journey leading up to the promotion.

The long-standing family business recently welcomed a new marketing and communications coordinator, Jack Reynolds, to help manage its promotional strategy and internal communications.

Creative strategy meets fuel distribution

In the new position, the focus will centre on creating content, overseeing social media channels, supporting marketing campaigns and strengthening overall communications across the organization. The scope of work includes photography, video, branded materials and customer engagement to bring the company’s services and story to life.

Reynolds brings background experience from a sales role at Molson Coors, as well as a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication and Media from Carleton University. The goal is to apply creativity and a customer-focused perspective to the new chapter.

Rooted in Canadian fuel history

W.O. Stinson & Son Ltd. carries a long heritage in the industry, operating as a family-owned business with roots dating back to 1937. The new coordinator is looking forward to connecting with the team, learning the operational side of the business and contributing to ongoing growth.

Marie-Noëlle Béland announced in a LinkedIn post that she has accepted the role as strategic sourcing specialist for Harnois-Énergies. 

Prior to her current role, Béland worked in purchasing for Les Produits Martin where she planned procurement for products, components and technical parts for propane gas and managed local and international purchases, primarily from suppliers in China, as well as in Europe, the United States, and Canada. 

Béland's experience in corporate buying was also honed in her experience working for Lowe's Canada and Boutique Marie-Claire.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) warned people who are allergic or sensitive to dairy not to consume the "Smarter Snacks brand Vegan Protein Puff Chili & Lime Flavored" 50g bags with the UPC code 8 684041 306837.

Vegan, by definition means a product should not contain any meat, dairy or dairy-byproducts like whey. 

The CFIA asks operators to remove this product from their shelves and displays. 

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.