Is there a Great Beer Grocery Store?

[Cass]

I was thinking about this in light of all the convo around the government's beer announcement.

In the 8 years (I think it's that long? Since 2015?) since grocery stores were able to stock beer, did a store (or stores) anywhere in the province emerge as one that curated an exceptionally notable selection?

I'm not talking about getting in special stuff, as I know that didn't happen. But every time I was at a grocery store that had beer, it was just a random smattering of stuff. I'm genuinely curious if any store or store manager cared to do something unique with their selection. I honestly don't think I heard of any, and never saw one with my eyes.

Maybe this will emerge when the shackles come off, when stores that have specializations (such as British shops, or Euro food specialties) might get more creative. But it's kind of interesting (and telling) that nobody (?) did anything interesting with their beer selection to stand out over the last bunch of years. Unless I'm wrong and one of the grocery stores did?

(I will acknowledge that Longo's was a bit of a trailblazer with their in-grocery bars Corks, but can't recall if they sell beer to go? And Eataly did partner with Indie for Birroteca but that is a bit of a special case as it's an exclusive arrangement.)

[Tapsucker]

Not quite a grocery store, but I'm going to nominate a place I discovered during the plague when everybody (like, everybody) opened a bottle shop. I'm pretty sure it's still there and called Praise, It's on Bloor near the pits. Small selection, but nicely curated. I think they focus more on wine. Prices are high, but hey...

It's the first place I found Fairweather beers on offer in Toronto, so it's kind of stuck in my head.

[sofakingdrunk]

In Guelph, the Zehrs(loblaws) closest to me has a solid selection and usually quite fresh.
Lots of imports but just as many Ontario/Canadian craft.
Bellwoods(4 brands)/Fat tug/lots of Great Lakes/lots of collective arts

[MatttthewGeorge]

In Guelph, the Zehrs(loblaws) closest to me has a solid selection and usually quite fresh.
Lots of imports but just as many Ontario/Canadian craft.
Bellwoods(4 brands)/Fat tug/lots of Great Lakes/lots of collective arts

I would say the same about the Zehrs at Conestoga Mall in Waterloo, so I wonder if that's a Zehrs thing: higher end groceries so higher end alcohol?

[S. St. Jeb]

In Guelph, the Zehrs(loblaws) closest to me has a solid selection and usually quite fresh.
Lots of imports but just as many Ontario/Canadian craft.
Bellwoods(4 brands)/Fat tug/lots of Great Lakes/lots of collective arts

I would say the same about the Zehrs at Conestoga Mall in Waterloo, so I wonder if that's a Zehrs thing: higher end groceries so higher end alcohol?

The Fortino's in Burlington near me doesn't carry beer, but the other ones in the city do, and same thing, quite a big selection. Fortino's and Zehr's are both Loblaw's owned.