HOT SPOT
Focus on Fresh Food, Community and Inclusivity
Inspired by his daughter, Nick Foley created Brynn’s Fresh Market to champion equitable employment and premium local products.
By Wing Sze Tang | Photography by Rob Whelan
A feature wall splashed in sunshine yellow paint sets the cheerful tone at Brynn’s Fresh Market. The second location, which opened in February 2026, is in the picturesque town of Bath, just west of Kingston. An official colour for Down syndrome awareness, the bright yellow conveys positivity, reflecting the joyous optimism that permeates the grocery store. Co-founder Nick Foley’s daughter, Brynn, who has Down syndrome, was the source of the market’s inspiration.
“We designed a business model around inclusivity,” says Foley, noting that the company provides employment and fair, equitable wages for adults with disabilities. Currently, 35 percent of the in-store team are individuals living with “diversabilities,” the term Foley uses to describe the diverse skillset of Brynn’s employees. “It’s not really about what their diagnosis or their identification is. It’s more about who they are as people and how we can lift them up and celebrate them and their abilities and show the world,” he explains.
“We try to empower people with different types of abilities,” Foley says. “We want to provide a community that’s inclusive and kind, so that you want to be part of it.
“We thought we were going to help a lot of people — but what we’re finding is that the people that we’re employing are really helping us. We’re learning so much about life in general, and how to show up consistently and just smile and really leave an impression. And I think that’s what sets us apart.”
The independently owned grocer also prioritizes the local community in its merchandising. “We try to stay hyperlocal,” explains Foley. This means the selection of products on offer varies between his Belleville and Bath store locations. At the latter, expect farm-fresh produce and meats, grab-and-go meals prepared by an in-house chef, bakery treats (including the popular chocolate chip cookies, croissants and sourdough bread made fresh daily) and Ontario-sourced pantry essentials such as Hogans’ Honey and SNickelFritz Kitchens Butter Tart BBQ Sauce. Says Foley, “You could go to different places and fill your shopping cart; [at Brynn’s], you fill your shopping heart.” CAA
(Top) Market owner Nick Foley and his daughter Brynn check out the farm-fresh produce. (Above from left) A sunny splash of yellow paint accentuates the warmth and positive vibe of the store; Scott C. is the store manager; there is a wonderful variety of local products at the Bath location, including baked goods and prepared food.
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Market owner Nick Foley and his daughter Brynn check out the farm-fresh produce.
HOT SPOT
Focus on Fresh Food, Community and Inclusivity
Inspired by his daughter, Nick Foley created Brynn’s Fresh Market to champion equitable employment and premium local products.
By Wing Sze Tang | Photography by Rob Whelan
A feature wall splashed in sunshine yellow paint sets the cheerful tone at Brynn’s Fresh Market. The second location, which opened in February 2026, is in the picturesque town of Bath, just west of Kingston. An official colour for Down syndrome awareness, the bright yellow conveys positivity, reflecting the joyous optimism that permeates the grocery store. Co-founder Nick Foley’s daughter, Brynn, who has Down syndrome, was the source of the market’s inspiration.
“We designed a business model around inclusivity,” says Foley, noting that the company provides employment and fair, equitable wages for adults with disabilities. Currently, 35 percent of the in-store team are individuals living with “diversabilities,” the term Foley uses to describe the diverse skillset of Brynn’s employees. “It’s not really about what their diagnosis or their identification is. It’s more about who they are as people and how we can lift them up and celebrate them and their abilities and show the world,” he explains.
“We try to empower people with different types of abilities,” Foley says. “We want to provide a community that’s inclusive and kind, so that you want to be part of it.
“We thought we were going to help a lot of people — but what we’re finding is that the people that we’re employing are really helping us. We’re learning so much about life in general, and how to show up consistently and just smile and really leave an impression. And I think that’s what sets us apart.”
The independently owned grocer also prioritizes the local community in its merchandising. “We try to stay hyperlocal,” explains Foley. This means the selection of products on offer varies between his Belleville and Bath store locations. At the latter, expect farm-fresh produce and meats, grab-and-go meals prepared by an in-house chef, bakery treats (including the popular chocolate chip cookies, croissants and sourdough bread made fresh daily) and Ontario-sourced pantry essentials such as Hogans’ Honey and SNickelFritz Kitchens Butter Tart BBQ Sauce. Says Foley, “You could go to different places and fill your shopping cart; [at Brynn’s], you fill your shopping heart.” CAA
A sunny splash of yellow paint accentuates the warmth and positive vibe of the store; Scott C. is the store manager; there is a wonderful variety of local products at the Bath location, including baked goods and prepared food.