A frozen meat and seafood retailer from the U. S. that made a significant entrance into Canada three years ago is now leaving the country. Online orders will wrap up next week, and all four stores are set to close by mid-December.
Wild Fork, which has several stores in the U. S., particularly in south Florida, launched its first Canadian store at Taunton Garden plaza in Whitby in 2023, followed by additional locations in the Greater Toronto Area – on Golf Link Road in Ancaster, Hyde Park Gate in Oakville, and Harry Walker Parkway in Newmarket.
The company had built an online presence in Ontario offering specialty products like Wagyu beef, bison, Berkshire pork, and lobster alongside everyday items such as chicken thighs and ground beef before opening physical locations north of the border.
Wild Fork started its Canadian journey as an online “protein delivery” service for the GTA with same-day delivery options, aiming to expand across the country.
The soft opening of their 4,000 square-foot store on Taunton Road in Whitby occurred in May of that year, with a grand opening celebration held in June where Wild Fork President Radek Mazurkiewicz enthusiastically welcomed customers to the new space.
“To our customers in Whitby and beyond, I can’t wait for you to experience the difference that Wild Fork has to offer,” he said. We are confident that you will be delighted.”
By the following year, stores opened in Oakville and Ancaster while company leaders were anticipating “significant growth” within Canada with plans for 20 more stores across the GTA followed by expansions into B. C. and Alberta.
<p. Fast forward two years later and Wild Fork is exiting Canada; they shared this news via a letter addressed to their customers and suppliers:
After careful consideration, Wild Fork has made the difficult decision to exit the Canadian market and close our operations in Canada. We are incredibly grateful for the customers who welcomed Wild Fork into their communities and trusted us to serve them. It has been a privilege to bring the Wild Fork experience to Canada, and we sincerely appreciate your support.
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Throughout this transition period, our team members along with our customers remain our main focus. Our store teams have consistently shown up for you every day with dedication and pride; we are committed to supporting them during this change.
For our valued customers, we want this transition process to be straightforward and easy. If you have any questions or need help at all, we’re here for you. Reach out at [email protected] or call us at 1-888-410-3675.
Thank you for including us at your table every day. It’s been a privilege serving you.
The company prides itself on providing an extensive range of premium-cut meats and seafood delivered right to your door – wild-caught octopus, duck leg, whole smelt along with ground venison among other selections – all packed with dry ice ensuring they arrive fresh. They will revert back to being U. S.-only by December.
Owned by JBS-a global leader in food processing-the company didn’t give specific reasons for pulling out of Canada; however insiders suggest it’s always challenging selling high-end meat and seafood as consumers tighten budgets coming out of pandemic times.
Lead image via wildfork. ca
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