Keeping It Fresh for Another Generation

The Unger family’s love of sharing wholesome food started more than 40 years ago and continues with the third generation in business. Unger’s Market is always evolving to best serve the needs of the community, says owner Chris Unger, who works alongside his son Nick and nephew Luke.“We’ve organically grown as we interact with customers.”

From selling fresh produce at vegetable stands in the early 1980s to a busy store in Hyde Park, the market still offers fruits and vegetables along with homemade bakery items and deli sandwiches, groceries and giftware. “We are a family that’s passionate about food and we enjoy helping others. We make many of our items from scratch and that’s what sets us apart from other businesses,” Unger says. “We still use some of my mother Linda’s recipes. Now we are happy to continue these traditions with the next generation.”

Fresh bread, delicious pies, muffins, cookies and seasonal peach and rhubarb crisps are some of the treats at Unger’s. For customers who want to enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the market, there is an area to relax and have a cup of coffee or tea or savour some lunch.

Unger’s Market also offers catering services with pickup and delivery options and local specialty items. The company’s hand-crafted sandwiches and wraps are the most requested items on the catering side. “We are definitely known for our sandwiches,” Unger says. “We also offer hot items, pastas, salads and soups.”

We are definitely known for our sandwiches. We also offer hot items, pastas, salads and soups.”

Unger says it is gratifying to have been in business for 40 years. “We thank our customers; each person who comes through the doors is important to us.” One example of how Unger’s customer-first policy changed the business is a fun story about when they first started selling unique giftware. A sister-in-law was asked to place decor items on the store walls for ambiance. “People asked if they could buy them and we said sure,” laughs Unger. “Now the giftware has grown to be a large piece of the business, as has our women’s fashion, including casual to dressy clothing, jewellery and accessories.”