Our Origins Although The Garden Basket Food Markets name is fairly new (in 1996) the roots of our company go all the way back to 1929... Sam Comella and Sam Badali opened the Sunkist Food Market on Danforth Avenue in Toronto's east end.

Due to their commitment to quality and personal service, the business grew steadily. These standards have been the basis of the business ever since. In 1967, Jack Comella (Sam's nephew) purchased the business. By 1972, Jack decided it was time to expand. He located his new store on Woodbine Avenue to the north of Toronto. In 1988, Sunkist Food Markets expanded again. A site on Markham Road allowed for a store more than three times the size of the Woodbine store. The larger size permitted expansion into new product areas, such as meat, deli, bakery, groceries, a salad bar and a flower shop. The focus on larger stores and a more diverse product line led to the sale of the original Sunkist Food Market store on Danforth Avenue in 1986. While that orginal store is no longer part of our operations, we still remember the humble beginnings of our company, and still remember the values learned there, which have led to our continued success today. We are very proud of our history as Sunkist Food Market, and equally proud of our new name: The Garden Basket Food Markets.

The Garden Basket Food Markets' mission is to be the leader in providing the finest quality, service and selection of food products. We are recognized in the food industry for our integrity, professionalism and commitment to the highest level of customer satisfaction. Our growth and continued success depends upon maintaining these high standards through the skills and dedication of our people and the support of our suppliers.