Montreal convenience chain taking over historic building with first Toronto location

A grocery chain with nearly a dozen stores across Montreal is gearing up to open its first-ever Toronto location.

There's been some chatter about Erewhon dupes around Toronto lately, and we may soon be getting a new contender. While the L.A.-based health food chain, known for its pricey smoothies and trendy protein plates, may not have made its leap to the 6ix just yet, Montreal's KaleMart24 could very well feed the craving.

Boasting 11 locations across Montreal, plus two in Kitchener and Ottawa, the chain serves as a sort of 7-Eleven for the health-conscious.

Although not all locations are actually open 24 hours, like the name would suggest, KaleMart24 satisfies late-night munchies with a different kind of crunch: that of kale, of carrots, of chickpeas.

KaleMart24's shelves are stocked with healthier alternatives to your typical convenience stores, but the store's real claim to fame is its impressive prepared food lineup. 

Eschewing the convenience store staples of taquitos and foil-wrapped hot dogs, KaleMart24 instead serves up Village Juicery protein bowls, salads and chia puddings, house-made sandwiches and wraps, pastries, coffee, matcha and an impressive smoothie lineup.

In a city that enthusiastically adores its Mandy's Salads and Nutbar Smoothies, KaleMart24 feels like a shoo-in to become an instant favourite here in Toronto, and we'll soon be able to put that estimation to the test.

KaleMart24 will open its Toronto flagship at 601-603 Yonge St., a distinct red-brick building dating back to the late 19th century, positioned in the heart of the Church-Wellesley Village.

Though the exact opening date of the new location has yet to be announced, the chain was initially aiming for a June 2026 opening, so it's likely coming sooner rather than later. The chain will announce the grand opening date via social media, so you'll want to keep an eye peeled for the latest updates.