Bala Freshmart

The store is not a place that we shop unless we are desperate for emergency food. Generally, not the cleanest outlet, and often the produce is beyond the best by date.
Staff is OK but the interior needs a make over. But they are the only game in town unless we drive 20 minutes to a better food emporium.

Bala Freshmart has the look and feel of a big chain grocery store, but has the distinction of actually being one-​of-​a-​kind. It’s an independent supermarket, the only one of its kind in Bala. When you need ketchup, Clamato, or paper towels, BF is it. Its only competition comes from Don’s Bakery, The Cottage Butcher, and the produce stands around town.
While BF is much smaller than chain supermarkets, its stock is quite comparable. They don’t carry *as much* here, but the variety is there, and much of the produce comes from local farms or greater Ontario which means greater freshness and flavor. Also, they carry the generic Canadian brand «no name (sans nom)», in its distinct black-​and-​yellow packaging. And while this isn’t unique to the Bala Freshmart, seeing the no name brand always tickles me.
Prices can be high, and there’s now a $ 0.05 plastic bag fee if you don’t bring your own. But BF is the only grocery going in Bala, and rather than resting on those laurels, they’ve opted to step-​up their game and provide excellent quality and service. Good on you, BF.