Tis the season to be busy, as families across Guelph rush to get ready for the holidays. There’s never a shortage of things to cross off your list this time of year, and one local business is uniquely positioned to help.
Market Fresh is an independent, family-run grocer where the focus is on food and community. They take pride in bringing customers wholesome fresh and local gourmet food—the best of the region for the season. They’ve been providing catering services for over 25 years.
John Clark recently sat down with Dylan Toscan, Managing Director. The pair discussed the benefits of using a catering service when hosting, how to find the highest quality local products, and a few easy ways to spruce up your home with fresh greenery and a bit of festive decor.
John Clark: What is Market Fresh’s philosophy towards food?
Dylan Toscan: Fresh, local, and high-quality first. Market Fresh prioritizes local producers, small farms, and artisan suppliers. Our whole identity is built around offering food that’s fresher, carefully sourced, and higher quality. This ranges from fresh produce, quality meats (including our in-house butchery), in-house scratch bakery, prepared foods made in-house, and so much more.
JC: What would you say are some of the biggest benefits of catering a holiday meal?
DT: One of the biggest benefits of catering a holiday meal with Market Fresh is that it lets people truly enjoy the day. The holidays should be about spending time with family and friends — not being stuck in the kitchen for hours. When we handle the cooking, our customers get to relax, be present, and focus on the moments that matter.
Another big advantage is the quality and consistency. Everything we prepare is made in-house using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. You’re not just getting convenience, you’re getting a holiday meal that tastes homemade, crafted by our culinary team with the same care you’d put into your own table.
It also removes the stress that can take the fun out of hosting. No last-minute grocery runs and no timing the execution of multiple dishes. We handle all of that. Customers can customize their order, choose exactly what suits their gathering, and trust that it will be done right.
So really, the benefit is peace of mind — knowing the meal is taken care of, so you can celebrate the way you want to.
JC: What are some of your most popular dishes for the season?
DT: Our most popular dishes/items for the holiday season include our hearty holiday Turkey Dinner, gourmet sandwich platters, charcuterie / antipasto / meat and cheese boards, fresh salads, vegetable and fruit trays, and our dessert/sweet trays.
JC: Are there any new items or treats available this year?
DT: Our new and improved, holiday favourite, Festive Turkey & Brie sandwich! Available at our Gourmet to Go counter, this sandwich has become a staple at Market Fresh over the years. We take locally sourced turkey, roast it to perfection, then stack it between two slices of in-house baked stuffing-seasoned bro ok ead, and then top it with sage aioli, brie cheese, house-made stuffing, and cranberry sauce. If you haven’t had one before, it’s an absolute must-try!
What we are really excited about is that we completely revamped our entire catering menu back in September. It was a full refresh, with updated recipes and a lot of fun new options that customers have really embraced. One of the standouts has been our continental breakfast package — it has been incredibly popular for morning meetings and early-day gatherings.
And while it’s not technically new, our Holiday Turkey Meals are definitely something special. They’re only available three times a year, which makes them one of our most sought-after offerings.
JC: Do you or your family have any favourites that must appear on your holiday table every year?
DT: We absolutely love putting together a really good spread of our meats and cheeses. Gunns Hill Reserve is a MUST on any charcuterie board! It has become a bit of a tradition in our house to start the festivities off with a board full of local cheeses, charcuterie, and some of our store-made dips and appetizers. Highly recommend our house made Artichoke Caponata! And of course, it wouldn’t be the holidays without something from our bakery. Our family tends to always gravitate towards our Holiday Yule Log, it’s delicious! Whether it’s one of our cakes or a festive dessert tray, having something sweet from our team is always part of our celebration.
JC: How else can Market Fresh help out over the holidays?
DT: Beyond catering, there are so many ways Market Fresh can help make the holidays easier, more delicious, and more joyful. Our bakery is always a huge hit this time of year — from store-made cakes to festive baked goods, pastries, and holiday treats. We also have an amazing selection of meats, cheeses, dips and appetizers that make entertaining effortless, whether you’re hosting a big party or just putting together a cozy evening spread.
Our Garden Centre is another favourite during the season. We bring in beautiful winter wreaths, planters, greenery, and décor that help customers create that perfect festive atmosphere at home. Inside the store, our giftware department is stocked with some of the best curated ornaments, holiday décor, holiday cards, and thoughtful seasonal items — it’s a great spot for finding something unique.
And of course, gift giving is a major part of how we help over the holidays. We offer a wide variety of holiday gift baskets, available both in-store and for pre-order, which makes them perfect for businesses, families, or anyone needing multiple gifts. There truly is a basket for everyone, and we can customize them as well to make them even more personal.
So whether you’re hosting, decorating, gifting, or just looking to bring a little extra joy to your holiday season, Market Fresh has something to help!
JC: Are there any deadlines or cut-offs for ordering that customers should be aware of?
DT: Our deadline to pre-order your family Holiday Turkey meal is December 18th or while quantities last! Pick up on December 23rd and 24th. Packed “Family Style” for easy reheating and service. Minimum of 6 people per order.
For all other catering inquiries, we ask for 72 hours notice.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, picking up dinner for the family, or treating yourself to something comforting, we’re grateful to be part of your season. Thank you for supporting local and choosing Market Fresh!
