Our History

Vince's was established as a fruit and vegetable business in 1929, when Arthur (age 18) and Robert Vince (age 16) began delivering produce from a truck in Toronto. They were joined by their brothers Jack and Gordon and their father Fred.

In 1939 they moved their business to a store, which was called Vince's Fruit Market, at 1352 St.Clair Avenue in Toronto. At that time, all four brothers and their father Fred worked in the store. Ruby, Ethel, Doris, Gwen, Mary and Ruth assisted in the store, making it a true family business.

During the war years, Art and Jack stayed home to keep the business going while Bob and Gord served with the army. At this time the business changed to Vince's All British Fruit Market. Following the war, the brothers again delivered their produce in the west end of Toronto, this time in a large bus, which was converted into a store on wheels. The name Vince's was placed on the front of the bus.

In 1956,Gord and his family purchased the existing property in Sharon and a summer fruit market was built beside the house.

The original market was operational from the May 24th weekend until Thanksgiving each year, until 1967.

Following the deaths of Art, Jack and Gord, Bob continued as sole proprietor. Bob was busy working at the market until two hours before his sudden death at age 73 on February 7, 1986.

During the summer of 1986 the property and business name were sold to Carmen Trimarchi, Gino Testa and Mario Testa.

Since 1986, Vince's has grown into a full selection grocery store operating out of two locations. Sharon and Newmarket.

Gino and Mario Testa have since left the company allowing an opportunity for Brian Johns, a past employee of the stores to join the ownership team of Vince's.

Today, Carmen and Brian still believe that having quality products will excite the customers of today just as it was in 1929.