"We took what was an eyesore for the city and turned it into a beacon," said Farm Boy CEO Jeff York.

The newly renovated, 26,000 square foot building is now home to a bounty of fresh food, including farm-fresh produce, butcher quality meat, unique private label products, a 24-foot salad bar, barista coffee bar, and ready-to-eat hot meals.

"Farm Boy is all about the food, the best fresh food experience, that's what we want to deliver," York said.

For Kingston shoppers, the opening of a Farm Boy location in the Limestone City has been a long time coming.

"We get to tell all the people in Kingston who have written to us asking for a Farm Boy that we are finally here. Here at last, and we promise that we will earn your business here, as we have at home, through an unwavering commitment to bring you the best fresh shopping experience, the tastiest fresh foods, unique products and the friendliest people," York said.

The opening of the Kingston store represents the chain's first step outside of the Greater Ottawa and Cornwall regions, where it has 12 stores.

"Much like where we came from, Kingston is home to families who have lived here for generations, and we are drawn by its small town values and spirit. It's something we share in common: a strong sense of community, and a commitment to continually improve to be the best we can be," York said.

Kingston Mayor Mark Gerretsen was on hand for the grand opening festivities last week, and congratulated Farm Boy on the opening of its 13th store and for continuing to be a true Canadian success storey.

"My understanding is that the first store was only 300 square feet. Now that is smaller than my first bachelor apartment. To think that you have come from that to this with 13 stores is an amazing success story, and to be Canadian owned and operated makes it so much better."

York said he has been pleased with the reception Farm Boy has received in the Limestone City, and is looking forward to the Kingston store being a dominant location for the chain. He said there are plans to continue opening Farm Boy locations along the 401 corridor towards Toronto.

"This is our first step out of Ottawa," he said.

The Kingston Farm Boy location is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information about the retail grocery chain visit www.farmboy.ca.