About Us

Our history. Canadian-owned. Family-operated.

It all started in the 60’s when the Rabba family established their first small grocery store in Toronto in 1967, they had no way of knowing their combined drive, hard work and old fashioned values would firmly establish Rabba Fine Foods as an influential name in the Canadian retail industry. Yet more than 40 years later, they continue to grow and expand, still building on the foundation established by the Rabba family when they opened their first location. Variety Food Fair, forerunner of Rabba Fine Foods, was a small grocery store located at Charles and Balmuto in downtown Toronto. Demonstrating their determination early on, the Rabba family would take turns working around the clock in order to stay open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

From the beginning, the family decided on providing quality products and excellent customer service. This commitment built their reputation and increased their popularity in the community. As natural entrepreneurs, it was then decided to increase the benefit to customers by carrying additional grocery items along with fresh produce. Soon, the concept of a superior specialty grocery that maintained an old-fashioned way of service was born.

In the 1980’s the retail market place was changing dramatically and the needs and demands of those living in the GTA were becoming more sophisticated. The early years grounded the Rabbas well in serving customer needs and anticipating market changes. The very first "Rabba Fine Foods" store was opened - a fabulous, state of the art store at a prestigious location, on Queen's Quay, at the harbourfront of Toronto.

That was the beginning of the Rabba stores we see today: bright, accessible, local markets that offer customers all of their grocery needs in one convenient location. From the beginning, Rabba emphasized its commitment to offering exceptional service, value, product selection and quality and convenience. Rabba's customers continue to enjoy great selection, quality, freshness, convenience and service that is second to none. Today, there are over 30 Rabba Fine Foods locations and it remains a family run operation.

With the emergence of the second generation of family members, Rabba Fine Foods is ushering in a whole new era of spectacular service and quality for its stores. With this new evolution, they are entering a truly exciting time: one that keeps a firm eye on the future while never forgetting the mindset of the past, which should ensure an amazing shopping experience for all customers, both old and new, for years to come.