Grocery shopping might not be everyone's favorite activity, but it's something I genuinely enjoy. Exploring the aisles, selecting fresh produce, and finding inspiration for new recipes is all part of the fun. And grabbing a treat I can enjoy on the go is a bonus.

Recently, I learned about a new local, independent grocery store at 168 Division St. in downtown Kingston called Brynn’s Fresh Market. The store made a great first impression with a vibrant selection of fruits and veggies, locally sourced goods and a variety of convenient grab-and-go meals.

I was further won over when I got the chance to chat with the owner, Nick Foley and learn about the core values that are the foundation of Brynn’s Fresh Market.

Inclusivity, Kindness and Quality Food

Brynn's Fresh Market got its start last October when Nick and his brother were presented with the oppotunity to launch a business that could not only thrive but also make a positive impact. The concept of Brynn's Fresh Market was born from their vision to provide fair and equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

"We stand for inclusion, and we stand for equal opportunities for all people to earn fair wages." Nick shared, "After discussing it with our partners, we decided to name it Brynn’s Fresh Market after my daughter, Brynn. Ultimately, I wanted to create a safe and welcoming place where Brynn and others could work if they choose to. So the concept evolved from a conversation, recognizing the need for inclusivity in our society. Our mandate is inclusivity, kindness, and quality food, with a goal to provide half of our workforce with fair and equal employment opportunities."

Nick has set a target to have 50% of the market’s workforce to be comprised of individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity to the business.

At the heart of Brynn's Fresh Market is family, and Nick's 11-year-old daughter, Brynn, has had a significant influence on the business. Her name, image, and impact are unmistakable when visiting the market. Nick notes. "We're grateful to have a team that understands the importance of family in our business."

Since opening in April, Brynn’s Fresh Market has quickly embraced the strong community spirit that thrives in downtown Kingston. Nick mentioned, "If I can support downtown businesses, the downtown businesses will support us."

Brynn’s Fresh Market takes pride in sourcing local, in-season products whenever possible ensuring freshness and fostering connections within the community.

"When it’s in season, we buy local," Nick explained. "As a small business, it’s important for us to support others in the community, and you can see that reflected in what we offer our customers."

Brynn's Fresh Market offers a variety of fresh produce, proteins, baked goods, and pantry items, focusing on supporting local businesses and suppliers. The market also features a hot lunch counter and grab-and-go options, including tasty meals like lasagna, wraps, and their already popular breakfast sandwiches.

The team at Brynn’s Fresh Market is excited to fine-tune their operations, provide new, delicious offers, and grow alongside the community. Make sure to keep an eye out for their wood-fired pizza!