T&T Supermarket

Founding and early years

T&T Supermarket was founded in 1993 by Taiwanese-Canadian businesswoman Cindy Lee and her husband Jack Lee. The first store opened in Burnaby, British Columbia, marking the beginning of a dedicated Asian grocery retailer. The name "T&T" is a dual reference, honouring Cindy Lee's eldest daughters, Tina and Tiffany, and the initials of two founding investors, Tawa Supermarket Inc. and Tung Yee Uni-President Enterprises Corp. From its inception, the company focused on providing a wide range of Asian food products that were often difficult to find in mainstream Canadian supermarkets. This focus quickly established T&T as a preferred destination for Asian Canadians and others interested in authentic ingredients and prepared foods.

Acquisition by Loblaw Companies

In July 2009, T&T Supermarket was acquired by Loblaw Companies Limited, Canada's largest food distributor, for a total consideration of $225 million. This transaction consisted of $191 million in cash and $34 million in preferred shares. The purchase price reflected significant accounting goodwill, estimated at $180 million, which represented the value of the T&T brand and its market position beyond its tangible assets. The acquisition by Loblaw provided T&T with greater resources for expansion and supply chain integration while allowing it to maintain its distinct brand identity and product focus. This move solidified T&T's position within the broader Canadian grocery landscape while preserving its specialized appeal.

Store format and offerings

T&T Supermarket stores are notably large, typically ranging from 35,000 to 75,000 square feet, and function as comprehensive culinary destinations. Beyond standard grocery departments, stores feature extensive produce, meat, and seafood sections, including live seafood bars at some locations. A major draw is the vast prepared food section, which includes hot food bars, dim sum counters, sushi stations, and Hong Kong style Chinese barbecue. Many locations also incorporate Asian street food stations, bakeries, and sections for kitchenware, gifts, and beauty products. This combination of grocery retail and restaurant style dining has led industry experts to label some T&T locations as "grocerants," blending grocery and restaurant experiences under one roof.

Expansion and growth

T&T has pursued significant expansion across Canada and into the United States. A major 70,000 square foot flagship store opened in Richmond, British Columbia in 2018, introducing new concepts like the live seafood bar. In 2022, the chain entered the Quebec market with a similarly sized store in Saint Laurent, Montreal, which became its largest location at the time. The company launched its e commerce platform and app in 2020, enabling online shopping and delivery across Canada. In 2024, T&T expanded internationally, opening its first American store, a 76,000 square foot location in Bellevue, Washington, which became the largest Asian grocery store in that state. Further U.S. growth followed with a Lynnwood, Washington store in 2025 and a San Jose, California location in 2026.

Labour relations and unionization efforts

The company has faced labour relations challenges, notably in 2012 when workers at a T&T warehouse in Scarborough, Ontario, sought to unionize. Employees filed an application for certification with the United Food and Commercial Workers union, citing issues with scheduling, wage stagnation, and favouritism. Warehouse staff at the time worked a 39 hour week over six days, with some employees still earning minimum wage after three years of service. A secret ballot vote was held in July 2012, but the results were sealed by the Ontario Labour Relations Board due to a dispute over voter eligibility. The union and company management, then led by CEO Cindy Lee, presented differing views on the legitimacy of the union application process, highlighting tensions in workplace organization.

Leadership and recognition

Founder Cindy Lee served as the founding CEO until 2014, when leadership transitioned to her eldest daughter, Tina Lee. This succession marked a new generation at the helm of the family founded business. Under Tina Lee's leadership, the company has continued its expansion and digital transformation. The Lees have received significant industry recognition for their contributions. In 2018, Tina Lee received the Executive of the Year Award from Ascend Canada. That same year, both Cindy and Tina Lee were awarded the Retail Council of Canada Canadian Grand Prix Trailblazer Lifetime Achievement Award for their service to the retail industry. Cindy Lee also received a lifetime achievement award at the 2019 Chinese Canadian entrepreneur awards for her impact on the business community.

Recent developments and future plans

As of 2026, T&T Supermarket continues to expand its footprint and services. The company operates 33 stores within Canada and has announced new locations, including a store in Etobicoke, Ontario, scheduled to open in winter 2026. This store will feature a hot food bar, a made to order Taiwanese street food bar, and a bakery. In February 2026, T&T announced a national partnership with Uber Eats to offer delivery across Canada, significantly increasing access to its products. The U.S. expansion continues with plans for a large California location at NewPark Mall in Newark. The company also received recognition in 2026, winning three Best in the PNW awards, underscoring its growing reputation in new markets.

Questions about T&T Supermarket

Who owns T&T Supermarket?

T&T Supermarket is owned by Loblaw Companies Limited, Canada's largest food distributor. Loblaw acquired T&T in July 2009 for $225 million. Despite being part of a large corporate parent, T&T operates under its own distinct brand identity and continues to focus specifically on Asian groceries and prepared foods. The founding Lee family remains involved in the company's leadership.

What does T&T stand for?

The name T&T has a dual meaning. It primarily references the first initials of founder Cindy Lee's two eldest daughters, Tina and Tiffany. Additionally, it honours the initials of the company's two founding investment partners, California based Tawa Supermarket Inc. and Taiwan based Tung Yee Uni President Enterprises Corp. This naming reflects both the family origins and the international business foundations of the supermarket chain.

Where are T&T Supermarket locations?

T&T Supermarket operates stores across four Canadian provinces, British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. As of 2026, there are 33 stores in Canada. The company has also expanded into the United States, with locations in Washington state, including Bellevue and Lynnwood, and in California, with a store in San Jose. New stores are planned for both countries, including in Newark, California, and Etobicoke, Ontario.

Does T&T Supermarket offer online shopping?

Yes, T&T Supermarket launched its own e-commerce platform and mobile app in 2020. This service facilitates online orders and delivery of Asian food products to customers across all Canadian provinces. In February 2026, the company also announced a national partnership with Uber Eats. This partnership further expands its online delivery options and makes its products accessible through a major third-party platform.

What makes T&T different from a regular supermarket?

T&T Supermarket differentiates itself through its specialized focus on Asian products and its extensive prepared food sections. Stores are significantly larger than typical grocers and feature unique departments like live seafood bars, Hong Kong style barbecue counters, dim sum stations, and Asian street food kitchens. The combination of a vast grocery selection with restaurant style dining options creates a grocerant experience. This offers both ingredients and ready to eat meals from various Asian cuisines.

Who is the CEO of T&T Supermarket?

Tina Lee, the eldest daughter of founders Cindy and Jack Lee, has been the CEO of T&T Supermarket since 2014. She succeeded her mother, Cindy Lee, who was the founding CEO. Under Tina Lee's leadership, the company has undertaken significant expansion, including entry into the U.S. market, the launch of its e commerce platform, and the opening of new flagship stores. She has also received industry awards for her executive leadership.

Sources: Wikipedia and current public reporting, checked by the Novello Desserts desk. Last updated 2026-10-19.