People know Summerhill Market at 446 Summerhill and 1054 Mt. Pleasant for the quality prepared dishes, bakery, delicatessen and meat selection. But it is labour intensive work making shrimp salad, devilled eggs, oven-ready meals and dozens of other specialty items. It is one reason why Summerhill employs some 220 people maintaining its operations and serving the public seven days a week. Co-owner Brad McMullen (with sister Christy) was saying recently that not many people think about the impact of his long-time family store on the local economy. He’s proud of it and rightly so. Summerhill has received permits to proceed with expansion at its Summerhill Ave. location where parking will be expanded and an outdoor market and gazebo will be added. The firm has also purchased a 20,000 square foot building on Railside Rd. off Lawrence Ave E. for preparation and stock storage. It will give Summerhill a little elbow room at the Rosedale location. Part of the Summerhill strategy to meet changing times is an enhanced website offering online shopping within the grocer’s catering, floral and gift basket departments. This is in addition to the online grocery shopping service offered through a partnership with the enterprising Instabuggy firm, which also delivers wine and liquor. Summerhill Market expanded parking to proceed this fall
