ST. PAUL - Lenora’s No Frills, the newest grocery outlet on St. Paul’s main street, opened its doors to customers Aug. 22.
“It’s truly appreciated you’ve committed to our community and committed to your community, because it’s been yours forever,” Mayor Maureen Miller said in extending her congratulations to local owner Lenora Missal on the opening.
“It’s really remarkable,” she said of the work that has gone into transforming the former Extra Foods location into a No Frills outlet. “Wait until you walk through, it’s truly beautiful.”
For Missal, cutting the ribbon to officially mark the occasion of her own store is a dream come true. She extended her appreciation to her “amazing staff” and support from the corporate No Frills team for helping her to achieve her goal.
“It’s a very special day for our staff and the community,” Missal said. “I grew up in St. Paul. I started my career with Loblaws when I was 17 and I quickly developed a passion for food and community. After 24 years with Loblaws, I am excited and proud to be offering my No Frills to the community of St. Paul. This is where it all began for me.”
Bernie Poitras, Métis Nation District 12 captain, was on hand to extend his congratulations to Missal and noted it was “great to see a Métis entrepreneur” opening the doors to a new business locally.
Ryan Davis, vice-president of No Frills for western Canada, said he was excited to welcome Lenora to the No Frills family.
“I was here the day Extra Foods opened in St. Paul many, many moons ago, and I think this renovation is long overdue and we are certainly proud to bring the No Frills banner to St. Paul.”
The event included a cheque presentation to the St. Paul Food Bank with Larry Lambert of the food bank acknowledging the longtime partnership with Extra Foods and now looking forward to continuing that relationship with No Frills.
“They have been tremendous partners for us, and we are so thankful that you are here, and we appreciate it so much,” Lambert said.
And with that, the ribbon was officially cut and Missal invited customers to “come on in.”