Written By David Gomez
STRATHROY - A large crowd gathered in Strathroy on Saturday, September 20, to celebrate the grand opening of Ricco Foods’ new Cash & Carry outlet. The family-owned food distributor, which has served Southwestern Ontario for more than three decades, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local representatives, community groups, and customers.
Mayor Sue Clarke of Adelaide Metcalfe praised the company’s longstanding contributions. “Ricco foods distributors, as most of you know, they have been in the area since 1990 and I'd like to take this moment to thank the company for supporting events throughout the years and providing stable employment opportunities to this community,” she said. Clarke also presented the business with a certificate of recognition, adding that she encouraged residents to shop local. “The Ricco team has always been extremely helpful, whether through special event orders, fundraising programs, or providing consistent and reliable inventory to businesses in this district and beyond.”
Mayor Colin Grantham of Strathroy-Caradoc joined Mayor Clarke for the ribbon cutting, marking the official launch of the Centre Road location. Also present was Middlesex-London MP Lianne Rood, along with many residents who filled the site to take part in the celebration.
The event featured community involvement, including a barbecue hosted by the Strathroy Lions Club and autograph signings from the Strathroy Jets hockey team. Festivities also included door prizes, giveaways, and a farmers’ market display with fresh produce.
For Ricco Foods, the new Strathroy outlet represents an expansion of its Cash & Carry service. The company, which began operations in 1990, has grown to offer more than 5,000 products for pizzerias, restaurants, bakeries, retail businesses, and now individual customers. Its service area spans from Windsor to Wiarton and from Lake Huron to Lake Erie, providing food service solutions to a wide region.
The Cash & Carry format is designed to serve both commercial and household needs, offering one-stop access to bulk groceries, specialty products, and event supplies. The Strathroy store joins Ricco’s Seaforth location, extending convenience and choice to more communities.
Ricco’s leadership team, including new owners Andy and Suellen, posed for photos with employees outside the freshly renovated storefront. Staff members welcomed guests inside to explore the new facility and enjoy samples, while community groups underscored the business’s role as both an employer and supporter of local initiatives.
The store will now be open seven days a week, providing another resource for residents and businesses in the region.
