“It’s our third year in a row winning. It feels great because it validates what we’re trying to build here,” says Jackie Fraser, who co-founded Fraberts in 2008 with her husband, Chef Derek Roberts.
The grocery shop is a small, family-run business, where shoppers will regularly see Jackie and Derek’s friendly faces behind the counter, as well as their two daughters. The couple’s aim with the store has always been to make grocery shopping more enjoyable, and bring the best ingredients possible to their community. Everything they sell, from produce to meat to dairy, is fresh, high-quality, and as local as they can get it.
Fraberts also has a bustling lunch counter, offering up sandwiches and pizzas to go for hungry customers. They have regulars who dine there weekly, and some who come nearly every day. After 17 years in business, Jackie and Derek have built up a real community at the grocery store. “People love the friendly service, and they love the quality and freshness of our products,” says Jackie.
Fraberts also makes and sells ready-made meals, perfect for busy families who have a lot on the go, as well as for seniors and other folks who might not want to cook a whole meal for one person. All the ready-made meals are prepared on site with the same local ingredients that Fraberts sells.
Jackie grew up on a farm, so has always been a big proponent of local food. It was always a dream of hers to run a local food market, and Chef Derek was on board with the idea. When the couple moved to Fergus, they felt there wasn’t something like that in the area— so Fraberts was officially born.
“We love working with customers and making people happy,” says Jackie. “We also really enjoy being able to help our suppliers —local farmers, local food artisans— get their food to customers.”
With the holidays coming up fast, one of Fraberts Fresh Food’s offerings is a pre-made turkey dinner, which can be made family-style for up to 12 people if needed. Customers can also order fresh local turkey from the food market— and if they need cooking advice, Chef Derek is the person to ask. “We don’t just sell food, we provide information and knowledge,” says Jackie.
Fraberts also offers food gift baskets for the holidays, which are an excellent option to give to friends, family, or colleagues. The baskets are filled with delicious cheeses, a variety of crackers, homemade jams, meats like pepperettes, locally-made treats such as chocolates, and more.
To all their customers and those who voted Fraberts a Reader Favourite, Jackie gives thanks on behalf of herself, Derek and their team. “You have allowed us to follow our dream of providing a community-based fresh food market that supports local farmers and food artisans, bringing local food to your table.”
Fraberts Fresh Food is open seven days a week in downtown Fergus. For more information about the store and their offerings, visit online.
