Urban Fare is primarily upmarket, with a focus on high-end, gourmet, organic and imported foods.

Most of the stores also feature a florist, pharmacy and wide selection of prepackaged "grab and go" meals.

The first Urban Fare opened in 1999 in Vancouver's trendy Yaletown neighborhood, at the base of a new luxury condominium development.

An Edmonton, Alberta store in the city's historic Crestwood neighborhood opened shortly after but closed after its lease expired.

Early in its history, the store made news for the price and luxury of some of its goods, notably an imported loaf of Poilane bread which it sold for $100.