Little Britain Foodland closing permanently
Little Britain residents will soon have no choice but to drive elsewhere to buy their groceries.
After serving the community for more than half a century — first as an IGA and now as Foodland under the Sobeys Inc. corporate umbrella — the grocery store is closing, effective March 16.
The 1043 Little Britain Rd. business’ lease with the property owner is expiring and, after a review of the business assets and real estate operations, the company decided to close the store.
“Unfortunately, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to close the Foodland in Little Britain. The decision to close a store is never one we make lightly, and various contributing factors are considered,” said Sobeys Inc. public affairs specialist Laetitia Tchatat, adding the closure is “in line with our normal course of business.”
Tchatat expressed gratitude to the Little Britain community for their loyal patronage over the years.
“We also want to acknowledge the dedication and service provided by our store team. Their commitment to customers and the community has been exceptional, and we are working to support impacted teammates as they navigate this transition,” continued Tchatat.
Store management declined the opportunity to comment.
The store’s closure not only means the loss of jobs, but also access to goods for area residents, particularly seniors and young families.
The store has also long served the community as a supporter of local activities and regularly sponsored sports teams, schools, churches and the Little Britain Community Food Bank.
In fact, when the food bank was robbed in February 2022, Foodland stepped up and made a $5,000 donation of goods to help refill shelves.
Prior to becoming a Foodland, the store was known for decades as Casey’s IGA, and many longtime residents hold special memories of the business.
In early 1997, Bernie Killoran — who had started in the business in 1972 running the Bradford IGA and moved to Lindsay in 1992 to manage the Maxi-Drug on Kent Street — met with Jim and Jane Casey. Several months later, the Foodland changed hands.
For the first 15 years, Killoran, his wife Lesley Anne and their children Leanna and Bret, lived above the store. The Killorans retired from the grocery game in May 2019. The franchise has changed hands twice since then.
While it is will be bittersweet, a farewell event is taking place Saturday, March2 at the store from noon to 4 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend.