The Garden Basket Food Markets is a Markham landmark and a family tradition. For generations, the Comella family has been committed to bringing families quality food, personal service, and a welcoming shopping experience.

Our story began in 1929, when Sam Comella and Sam Badali opened Sunkist Food Market on Danforth Avenue in Toronto’s east end. From the very beginning, the business was built on a simple philosophy: quality products, personal service, and a commitment to the customer.

In 1967, Sam’s nephew, Jack Comella, took over the business and continued the family tradition.

In 1972, Jack expanded the family business, opening a new store on Woodbine Avenue north of Toronto. The business continued to grow, and in 1988, Sunkist Food Markets opened a much larger location on Markham Road.

The new store allowed the family to expand its offerings and introduce customers to many of the departments that have become an important part of The Garden Basket experience, including meat, deli, bakery, grocery, salad bar, and flowers.

Over the years, the name evolved from Sunkist Food Market to The Garden Basket Food Markets, but the values behind the business have remained the same.

Today, we continue to build on the foundation established in 1929 — quality, freshness, personal service, and a genuine commitment to our customers and community.

We’re proud of where we came from, grateful for the generations of families who have supported us, and excited to continue the tradition for years to come.