A new family-run produce market has opened in Windsor’s Walkerville neighbourhood. Lanspeary Market at 1347 Ottawa St., just east of Hall Avenue, offers fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and other grocery items. Owner Ali Bazzi says the business grew out of a family tradition that started when his father sold produce at a roadside stand in Amherstburg before moving into Windsor. “So we’ve been in this business ever since I was a baby, and as I grew up, I learned to appreciate it,” he said. “We started out wholesaling, and finally, I want to spread the love, open a retail store, and you know what? Ottawa Street looked perfect.” The market focuses on fresh produce and aims to source as much as possible from local growers when items are in season. Bazzi says shoppers will find an emphasis on affordability and selection. “Customers, what they can expect is a large, large, large assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables. They could also expect good quality, reasonable prices,” he said. The store opened on Sept. 1, but Bazzi says word is already spreading throughout the area, exceeding expectations in the first few days. “Almost each and every single person that would come through, they would say, ‘hey we heard about you guys on Facebook. Someone said you got quality stuff. It’s all good, you know? So I figured we’d come check it out.’ There’s a lot of people that just came just to see what’s up and then they’re gonna come back,” he said. Looking ahead, Bazzi hopes to add a grab-and-go juice and salad bar in the future. Lanspeary Market is currently open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and plans to offer back-to-school specials on produce items this weekend.
