2007 CGTA
RETAILER OF THE YEAR
RUNNER-
UP
Don’t Stop Me Now
MRS. MCGARRIGLE’S FINE FOOD
BY ANDREA REYNOLDS
Mustard-making may have been this
retailer’s beginning, but it’s innovation
that’s made Mrs. McGarrigle’s the
recognized gourmet brand it is today.
Mrs. McGarrigle’s is a
gourmet food destination
that truly cuts the mustard.
Opened in 1988, founder
Janet Campbell began by
making condiments in her
basement kitchen. Nineteen
years later, those humble
beginnings have resulted in
an epicurean destination
unlike any other.
Located in Merrickville,
Ont., within a circa 1888
former general store, the
3000-square-foot shop
includes two levels and
production facilities for the
branded food line.
Exposed brick walls, old
plank floors, period
woodwork and original
molding sets a wonderful
backdrop for the store’s
culinary smorgasbord. On the
ground floor, there are
extensive displays of candy and
chocolate from Canada and
around the world, and teas and
free-trade coffee alongside
every possible accessory
desirable to caffeine lovers.
There are also mounds of
cheeses and rows upon rows of
oils and vinegars from far and
wide. Sauces, tapenades and a
spicy-themed shelf round out
the collection on the main
floor, while the upstairs houses
the store’s full range of kitchen
and home décor items,
including beautiful linens for
every room of the home.
Frequently visitors are
treated to the tempting aromas
wafting from the store’s
cooking classes and seminars.
Local chefs, food writers and
Ontario wine producers have
all been guest hosts at these
classes, which range in theme
from sushi to chocolate-making
and everything in between.
Of course, no description of
this store would be complete
without mentioning Mrs.
McGarrigle’s line of mustards.
Fourteen blends are available
for customers to taste-test,
with a staff member always
nearby to answer questions.
International award-winning
flavours include Canadian
Maple, Chipotle Lime and
Hot Whiskey. (Clearly, Janet is
not satisfied with the ordinary.)
It’s this type of ingenuity that
won her recognition as one of
Canada’s Top 10 Innovators by
Food In Canada magazine.
The company’s mustards,
preserves and condiments
are stocked in over 300
retail outlets in Canada and
are currently being tested
for sale in the United States
and Germany.
Quality mustard
combined with a great
location has resulted in the
store being praised as a
great day-trip destination.
Many publications have
penned articles encouraging
readers to visit the shop,
among them The Toronto
Star, Canadian Living, Food
& Drink and Chatelaine.
While the press has helped
to drive traffic, the store’s
products and service have
secured them loyal
customers and the honour
of being a runner-up in the
2007 CGTA Retailer of the
Year awards competition.
www.mustard.ca
