Grocery Stores
The Sweet Potato
The Junction is emerging as the destination for the organically-inclined in Toronto. I visited the newly opened organic grocery store The Sweet Potato on a cold Tuesday morning and was immediately warmed up.
The grocer advertises "natural foods... sweet prices." I am often sceptical of reasonably priced organic food but this time the claim rings true. Everything from organic grape tomatoes ($1.99 for 1 pint) to pure organic agave sweetener ($6.79) is no more expensive - and often cheaper - than you'll find at the big box grocers.
The prices are a result of bulk buying (there's a large storage area in the basement) by owner Digs Dorfman, who has run the High Park Organic Market for two years. He's also reduced overhead with used and recycled refrigerators and shelves, and buys as much as possible from small, local vendors who do not supply the big grocery stores.
I find competitive prices on the usual suspects, such as Amy's Organics or Wolfgang Puck's canned soups ($2.99/can) as well as on local products, such as Toronto Sprouts ($0.99/package). I also find organic PEI pre-washed potatoes ($1.99 for a 1.5 pound bag), organic baby carrots (2/$3.00 on 1 pound bags) and an extensive selection of Celestial Seasonings tea ($1.99/box, all sizes) and bulk coffee.
One friendly employee points out that The Sweet Potato is not a caf? or health food store; it's a grocery store. This emphasis is evident in the full range of products: produce, canned and dry foods, perishables like milk, eggs and cheese, baby food (Earth's Best jars are 2 for $1.50), diapers, as well as cleaning, beauty and paper kitchen and bath products.
I spot several organic tofu options and a mix of faux "meats." Non-vegetarians will be pleased, though, that they will not feel out of place with packaged deli meats from the local Beretta Organic Farms.
With Alice's Farm Baked Pies supplying homebaked goodies, I find on my visit the carrot nut and pineapple zucchini are as tempting as the banana loaves (all $6.99 each), as are the bumbleberry and wild blueberry pies ($9.99 each).
The store's biggest hurdle so far has been underestimating its popularity; many of the usual baked goods were not available as vendors took a break for the Easter weekend while The Sweet Potato remained open and bustling.
There's also a take away counter offering sandwiches, wraps, coffee, tea, fresh juices and smoothies. I enjoyed a mango colada smoothie ($4.99) and noted I could also opt for protein and medicinal varieties, or build my own. Future plans include adding prepared foods like hummus and rice dishes. Expect the goods in 6-8 weeks, when production levels can be increased.
The Sweet Potato sees itself as one part of a thriving community. They complement efforts by other local businesses, such as The Beet, but also offer what nobody else does: An organic grocery store that could replace your regular grocery store. And with summer's fresh local produce around the corner, I've got one more reason to make The Sweet Potato my first stop.
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It's great to have this and the Beet in the Junction now, and apparently there's more related businesses to come... it was pretty sad when Toronto's oldest vegetarian restaurant, The Vegetarian Restaurant at Keele/Dundas, closed down a while back.
My only complaint is that they're using open-front coolers for the dairy/eggs/etc. which is troubling from an energy-use standpoint.
I've lived in the Junction my whole life, and it's finally becoming an area where I want to spend time at.
This store rocks.
I think the Sweet Potato has so much potential but it just seems like it's a business run for the money as opposed to the love of food (or whatever). The staff are slow and unhelpful, prices are good but the place looks really dirty. I also think the cafe is a distraction (and bad coffee at that).
Maybe more exposure would get them to take their business seriously, I have not seen ads anywhere nor flyers. Have heard bad things about this place for many people in the neighbourhood.
All in all I have very much enjoyed the Sweet Potato as an addition to the Junction. I'm excited to see how they might grow.
AND if and when their freezer section comes back in!
And to Michelle - we did get discounts when I worked there, but it wasn't huge - if I remember correctly it was 10% on all produce and some of the other stuff in the store, and a slightly higher discount on the take-out cafe area food (which is no longer there, unfortunately)
I used to frequent the Sweet Potato when it first opened but I just kept getting let down by mediocre food quality... I was never able to find more at the SweetP than I could at the No Frills around the corner, who carry almost as much local and organic during the summer!!!
My issues with the food quality and storage, etc. were seconded Wednesday by the Sweet Potato being shut down by Toronto Public Health for a RODENT INFESTATION! There was a DineSafe Closure notice, but the Sweet Potato's own sign said they were closed due to a hazardous leak, not according to the Toronto Public Health Website! And I quote "Operator fail to prevent a rodent infestation".
YUCK! I've seen the back of this place from the No Frills car park too, and it's a disgusting mess! To stay open they should source better produce, and clean up! We need a real green grocer in the Junction, and the Sweet Potato doesn't cut it!
I, for one, think the staff at the store are super friendly both the ones I know and the new ones. I'm always asking questions about product because I'm often on the hunt for exciting new stuff and I only ever get lots of friendly suggestions and help in dealing with my many allergies.
I live in the area so shop at the No Frills too because The Sweet Potato sadly doesn't have everything. But the produce and selection at No Frills doesn't even compare! The majority of No Frills is definitely not organic or local --- even in the summer!!
And so they closed down for a day. The store is in tip top shape the last time I was in (this past Friday) and there's nothing to be worried about!! I picked up my delicious basket of organic produce, including local peppers!
I personally think that it's a fantastic grocery store and recommend it too anyone I come across. Combined with No Frills you only need to make the occasional trip for some rare unusual ingredient to different neighborhood.
P.S. Michelle - Staff discounts are 10%, but not in every department. Yet 10% off on food was a nice incentive to buy yummy food!
I've always found that the staff are helpful and friendly but if they don't know the answer to a question they are honest about it.
It may also be helpful to remember that the nicer you are to people, the nicer they will be to you!