A new fresh food market is officially celebrating its arrival in downtown Cobourg, with a business model that puts inclusive employment at the centre of its mission.
Bryn’s Fresh Market is holding its grand opening on King Street, with Cobourg native and three-time Stanley Cup champion Justin Williams involved in the business.
The downtown location has been operating for more than a year, but is now officially taking on the Bryn’s Fresh Market name.
Williams says the business has four locations and is focused on offering local shoppers a different grocery experience.
The story behind the business is closely connected to Brynn Foley, the daughter of Williams’ friends John and Nick Foley. Williams says Brynn has Down syndrome and helped inspire the vision behind the company.
Bryn’s Fresh Market currently employs 15 people with what the company describes as exceptional or diverse abilities across its four stores.
Williams says those employees receive fair and equitable wages, emphasizing that the positions are not volunteer roles.
Williams says the goal is to provide meaningful employment while helping people and families find a sense of belonging.
For Williams, bringing the business to Cobourg is particularly meaningful because it’s his hometown. He says he remains closely connected to the area, with his parents still living in Cobourg and Williams himself living in Port Hope.
The grand opening celebration includes tasting stations, wine tasting, an outdoor patio and a raffle. The store also offers prepared meals, with Williams highlighting the convenience of fresh food prepared the same day.
For Williams, the business represents a new chapter after a career spent in professional hockey. While he remains involved with the Carolina Hurricanes, he says moving into business has given him an opportunity to learn something new.
The grand opening is being held at Bryn’s Fresh Market on King Street in downtown Cobourg.
(Written by: Branden Rushton)
