Take a tour of Canada’s coolest grocery store! A unique food experience with innovative features that will knock your socks off!
We’ve been SO excited for the opening of the brand new Freson Bros. in Edmonton, and I cannot wait to take you inside! This store is something special – unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. Shopping and supporting local is important to our family, and Freson Bros. prides itself on a vast array of goods from Alberta-based producers.
We’ve been shopping at Freson Bros. in Fort Saskatchewan and Stony Plain for the past several years. We love that it’s rooted in community and “authentically Albertan”. Started in 1955 by Frank Lovsin and Frank Resek, Freson Bros. is all about family and connection (you definitely feel it when you’re there). Learn more about their history here.
At Freson Bros. we believe in the tradition of The Craft. You can see it in the cuts from our Real Master Butchers, and in the food we proudly showcase from Local Alberta Farmers. You’ll taste it in our homestyle cooked meals, and in the bread baked daily from our Real Bakers. We’re so proud to showcase our talent within our store.”
~Doug Lovsin, President
There are many innovative features in the new 42,000 square foot Freson Bros. store in Edmonton (5139 Mullen Road, Rabbit Hill Crossing). I’m going to highlight several that make this grocery store so cool! Be sure to share your favourite part in the comment section at the bottom of this post.
Wine and Beer on Tap
Yes, we’re talking about wine and craft beer at a grocery store! I love grocery shopping solo, and I’m looking forward to making the most of that me time; having a glass of wine while finishing my list before I actually start to shop. It’s not just wine on tap in the 116-person restaurant, but craft beer and sodas (including Bald Mikes, brewed by Troubled Monk exclusive to Freson Bros., made with the store’s own sourdough bread)! Some wine and beer is even available to take home. You can also grab an old fashioned milkshake or ice cream (nothing like a little bribery and incentive when you’re shopping with your kids!).
Plant-Based Focus
With more of us looking for meat alternatives, Freson Bros. offers a ton of plant-based options. Conveniently located next to the meat department, you’ll find an entire cooler dedicated to plant-based proteins, and a separate Healthy Choice freezer with plant-based protein, entrees, and organic frozen fruit and veggies.
At Freson Bros., we’re proud to offer the best quality protein choices, whether it’s meat or plant-based alternatives. We have options to fit a wide range of lifestyles, whether your family is vegan, vegetarian. or you just desire to consume less meat and want to substitute plant-based protein a couple of nights a week.
People are also loving the convenience of being able to pick up and take home ready-made plant-based protein meals such as wraps, salads, or other meals in our kitchens. We’ve got something for everyone!
~Laura Duff, Health and Wellness Specialist, Freson Bros.
Over in ‘On-The-Go’, you’ll find a whole bunch of ready-made vegan options like Montreal Smoked Tofu and roasted veggie side dishes.
The expansive Healthy Choice department offers several aisles of organic and vegan-friendly items, many of them made in Alberta. Freson Bros. Edmonton also stocks the biggest selection of Alberta-made Kombucha!
I was thrilled to discover one of my favourite products, Ginger Soother, which is the key ingredient to my Ginger Peach Coconut Smoothie recipe.
Made-To-Order Cinnamon Bun Station
It doesn’t get any fresher than this: you can now get Freson Bros. famous sourdough cinnamon buns made-to-order! Swing by at the beginning of your shop, and pick them up fresh when you’re ready to go. These delicious beauties are hand-rolled and scratch-made with 100% Alberta flour.
Follow Freson Bros. on Youtube here.
Open Concept
Shopping at Freson Bros. Edmonton is more than just running another errand. It’s definitely an experience. The Butcher Shop, Mother Dough Bread Co. (bakery), Deli, and Kitchen Creamery are all open concept, providing transparency, entertainment, and a true sensory experience. Watch your meat being cut, smell your bread being made, and see your cheese being sliced! The open-concept model also allows you to connect with the experts behind the counter.
Freson Bros. prides itself on its carcass beef program, where you can watch butchers cut and prep your meat. You can also choose from a large selection of pre-packaged Alberta pork, chicken, turkey, and beef.
The Mother Dough Bread Co. bakery features sourdough products that take three days to perfect, and decadent tortes made in-house from scratch.
The Kitchen Creamery has a selection of cheeses from across Alberta and Europe, and house-made mozzarella and ricotta.
Shorter Aisles
You’ll notice the aisles in Freson Bros. Edmonton are shorter than most other grocery stores, making for a more enjoyable shopping experience.
Made-To-Order Meals To Go
We like to have someone else do the cooking on grocery shopping days! Freson Bros. Edmonton has a variety of meals-to-go options, which are perfect. Make sure you pop by the sandwich station for a made-to-order sourdough artisanal sandwich (there’s also pre-made sandwiches and salads if you’re in a rush).
You can also grab a jar or two of beautiful house-made soups, with a refundable deposit on those glass jars.
Watch your fresh homemade sourdough pizza being made in Father Dough’s firestone oven! Grab a hot slice, full pie, or opt for the “Take and Bake,” and pop your pizza in the oven at home.
Grab a juicy chicken straight from the old-time authentic rotisserie oven at The Butcher’s Cookhouse. There, you can also grab wings, mac’n’cheese, grilled cheese, steak sandwich, and 100% Alberta-chuck Smashburgers. Pancakes, sourdough french toast, and build-your-own omelettes are available on the weekends.
Speciality Aisles
If you’re looking to build a beautiful charcuterie board, this is your one-stop-shop! You’ll find an entire aisle filled with everything you’ll need to make that happen – unique pickles, aiolis, speciality salsas, crackers, pickled veggies, and more. It’s a dream!
If you love mixing up craft cocktails, definitely swing by the Cocktails section! You’ll find some fun drink-making tools and a few unique offerings like Ceder’s Classic (a non-alcoholic gin from Sweden) and Gimber (an organic ginger concentrate).
I imagine this would be a chef’s favourite aisle – an entire section of gourmet salts! It features so many options with different flake sizes, textures, and colours.
Custom Gift Baskets
Our Custom Gift Baskets allow you to tailor a unique gift to a theme, person, or occasion and it’s such a simple process. All you have to do is pick your basket, choose the items you’d like in it and we’ll make it up for you. If that’s too many choices for you, we also have a great selection of Gift Baskets you can choose from, such as Alberta Favourites, Sweet, Savoury, Break Time and many more.
The options are endless, and we can create your perfect, unique Gift Basket!
~Lesleah Horvat, GM & Floral Specialist
Alberta Honey Collaboration
‘Bee’ sure to check out the Honey Hive located right by the gourmet salt aisle! You’ll find speciality honey from five small Alberta beekeepers. Wild Prarie Soap created an exclusive to Freson Bros. Edmonton line of honey and beeswax-based body care products using Alberta Honey Bee, and Gramma Bees Honey.
Plus, Freson Bros. Edmonton has plans to raise their own bees on the roof of the store starting later this spring.
Unique Cards, Flowers, and Candy Shop
“We’re so happy to be able to offer our community a wide collection of cards. Our cards are not the standard range, they are a bit different and special, with positive, beautiful art and timeless inspiration. There’s something for every occasion, that everyone would love to receive.”
~Lesleah Horvat, GM & Floral Specialist
It’s not your typical grocery store floral at Freson Bros. Edmonton. Build your own bouquet with options including Orchids and Hyacinth. You can also pick up beautiful plant pots and seeds from West Coast seeds to get your garden going!
The Sweet Spot is so much fun (and not just for the kids)! Stocked with old-fashioned treats that bring back all the memories (Rosebuds, Scotch Mints, etc.), trendy candy, and the must-try homemade saltwater taffy! I used it to make this rainbow board for St. Paddy’s Day.
photos: Dallas Curow
I hope you enjoyed the tour! What’s your favourite part?
Pin this to your Coolest Grocery Stores boards and follow me on Pinterest.
This post was sponsored by Freson Bros. As always, thoughts and opinions are my own.
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xx
I’ve seen glimpses of Fresno Bros stores on earlier posts and really enjoyed this knock-out tour of the new Edmonton location. I just wish that they would expand to southern Alberta. Here in the foothills we have so many people sending food to markets worldwide and we need to shop at the “corporate” store selecting from pre-packaged national brands like we live in downtown Toronto. I’m so jealous. Shop on girl and keep shining your light
OMG. Shopping and being able to have a glass of wine. Deadly combination! Love it!
I love everything about this grocery store but they really had me with the ‘wine & beer on tap’ part lol 😂 (erinlux06)
Absolutely love the specialty goods that you can’t find anywhere else!! (sarah.seeman)
How to pick a fave? I LOVE that there is a Troubled Monk beer available exclusive to Freeson Bros! But my fave has to be the soup in reusable jars. Not only am I always looking for healthy, made to-go easy dinner options, but I am trying to reduce plastic. This is very dialed in and forward thinking. I haven’t been to Freeson Bros yet but now I will.
Definitely the wine and beer on tap! 🍷
What’s not to love about Freson Bros.?!! The excitement to grocery shop with the selection of locally sourced products is unmatched. My heart, however, lies with the freshly made cinnamon buns.
I’ve been shopping at Stony Plain Freson Bros for years and when I saw the construction for this store I probably drove by daily to watch the progress 😅 it’s truly a gamechanger for grocery stores!! The marketplace vibes, proper onion/potato cooler cupboard, the deli is incredible and quick grab n go snacks & meals, so many local vendors including natural products I mean 😍 there seriously isn’t anything I don’t enjoy!!
Xx
@holistic.hunger
Don’t forget that on the 1st of every month when you spend $75 or more you get 15% off your purchase, plus when you sign up to become a loyalty member you get 3x the bonus points. We send out exclusive coupons in emails, and your points do add up fast to redeem that $10 off or save till Christmas and your could practically buy your dinner free for those get togethers (safe ones of course right now)
Going this Friday! Who would have thought getting groceries would be this much fun?! A sort of date-day if you will, with my wonderful Hubby!
The store looks so well thought out, bright and unique! Beer and wine on tap is calling/ shouting my name 🤩😎 (lthai123). Can’t wait to visit and check out the deli and local specialty goods!
Ooooh I got up early and went and bought fresh cinnamon buns! Definitely my favorite part so far.
Looks stunning! Really excited to check it out! Can’t wait to discover it! @lon.Wenger
I just love the feel of this beautiful store! So happy to have it in our city 😍
The new Edmonton location is walking distance for me and my family. My children and I love the candy section! Such a cute grocery store. Lots of vegan and gluten free choices.
The new Edmonton location is walking distance for me and my family. My children and I love the candy section! Such a cute grocery store. Lots of vegan and gluten free choices. @amanda.katenga
You captured each department of this store perfectly! I love how bright and welcoming it is…and oh I love their sourdough bread!!! @nicswicksyeg
Loved shopping there for the first time last week! Hard to pick a favourite section…the butcher, cinnamon bun area, pizza station and old fashioned candy selection were amazing!
@juliehartnagel
Loved shopping there for the first time last week! Hard to pick a favourite section…the butcher, cinnamon bun area, pizza station and old fashioned candy selection were amazing!
@jhartnagel
Finally Edmonton get’s a Freson Bros.!! I can’t wait to check it out! Thank you for sharing the address above as well. We will have to make a point of getting over there soon. I love how Edmonton really supports local businesses! And these guys will be a great addition here and will definitely do great!!
My favourite part of the new Freson Bros is the brunch bar! So many delicious options to choose from. I also love the huge selection of local goodies.
@jacquie.duval
I love so many things…the way it looks, the healthy choice area, my kids love the candy selection and look forward to grocery trips with dine in lunches soon! @carri_bou
Hard to choose just one thing to love – the layout, the local finds, the cinnamon buns, you name it, I love it! @nicolekubica
Can’t wait to check out the Alberta made products! The store looks amazing! @lilymannarino
Love all the made to order goodies and the charcuterie options, yes please! And of course the beer & wine tap 👌🏼 – kristinekubi_
It’s so nice and close to our place so I have been in a number of times already. I went yesterday morning and it was so nice and quiet.
I love all the different areas like the bakery, the sandwich station, all the unique candies, the cafe with the wine, beer & sodas and of course the cinnamon buns.
Thanks for the blog!
Heather Rootsaert
@heatherroot
Wow I’m not even sure how to choose one thing I’m most excited about- this store looks amazing! The wine on tap, fresh cinnamon buns, all of the local products! @andrearomain1
Can’t wait to grab a glass of wine and shop!!! @rhi_organize
So excited that the new spot is closer to home!!!
The Bakery😍🤤 is the best. @tl80s
I love the Made by Mother Dough Bread Co. I love bread, any kind, white, sourdough, whole grain, rye, just love my bread!
@alwayspetrisch
All the local goodies look amazing !!!
@dmcao
Love love love going to Fresons with my mom early in the morning & grabbing a coffee and enjoying our grocery shop before it gets busy! Everything is so fresh and beautiful! Love that they have specialty sections especially since I have lots of food restrictions!
@misschip_
I like the idea of being able to watch the butcher cut the meat I want and the wide selection of deli meats and cheeses.
cindy.kirby.94
I loved their big organic and local sections. So much to choose from!!
Their bakery is amazing, too!
@vivacious8080
The fresh sour dough cinnamon buns are the BEST!! (bry.ach)
I love how everything has a place. This makes it so easy to find what you need. The freshness of everything, the assortment is amazing. It is definitely an experience.
Forgot to leave my Instagram handle @dmerkel1
My favourite thing about the new Freson Bros is their freshly made baked goods! Always “homemade!” @josiemermaid on IG
IG: @yeg.baking
I went last weekend, and thought the grocery store was very beautiful/spacious. The coolest thing I noticed was the large cafeteria area they had serving all day breakfast foods 😊 also, I like their honey collaboration as you mentioned too!
My most favorite part is the cheese, the flowers, and the beautiful produce! Also love the iced sourdough cinnamon buns. And too convenient that this amazing experimce basically at the end of my street!
Oh my gosh😱sooo hard to choose a favourite! If I have to say it would be their floral area. It’s outstanding! I came home with sooo many lol. They have by far the largest assortment! I put together an arrangement from their 3 for $20 bundles that hubby said would have cost him 3x that at a florist(doesn’t get him off the hook though lol). I sent pics to everyone! They were so jealous lol.
Their sourdough cinnamon buns are hands down the best we’ve ever had! Not too sweet and so light. Topped our visit off with their amazing fire roasted pizza. Delicious!! We loved seeing candy we haven’t seen in yrs among their vast array. Amazing! Their potato and onion cold root cellar area is genius! We were extremely impressed with the overwhelming amt of local product! There’s so much more I haven’t touched on as well. A must see! From the time you walk in till the time you walk out you are blown away! They’re our new amazing grocer and we couldn’t be happier!!
@audryedm
It’s amazing all the homemade goods that they offer. My daughter was thrilled with the selection of vegan goods.
I haven’t had a chance to get to Canada’s Coolest Grocery Store, Freson Bros. yet but I CANT WAIT!! The store looks amazing from your pictures and it seems to cater to everyone! So much selection
Oh my goodness I have been following along since before they opened and can’t wait to check it out! Scrolling through this blog made me feel like I was there! @lyndzeesnow
Welcome to the Edmonton Local Business Community, Freson Bros!! So glad to have you here and bringing us locals more and more choices!! Wishing you guys the very best and hope you rock this city!
I’ve always loved the Freson Bros and that they’ve been located on so many towns I’ve worked away from home in (Drumheller, Peace River, High Prairie) and at home in Stony Plain. I’m looking forward to visiting the new location for a glass of wine and fresh cinnamon buns. @ameliainwunderland
I really like the Made To Order meals to go. Everything looks delicious! @ameliawants2know
Wow it looks awesome. I’d love to try the sourdough cinnamon buns. I love that they support so many local brands! @favouritesforfun
I love the bakery and how everything is marked, it’s quite the store’ @alwaysblocked346
Happy to see vegan options
Yes! So many!