Summer Hill

Frank McMullen was the founder of Summerhill Market, which he opened in Rosedale back in 1954. As the neighborhood grocer, Frank took pride in knowing the majority of our customers by name and eventually became one of the most well known faces in the community. His legacy survives through our continued commitment to customer service. His mandate was that the customer was always #1, every product in the store is 100% guaranteed, and that if we didn’t carry something you were looking for, we would find it for you. This remains true to this day, as we follow the same principles like striving for the best everyday, following our passion for food, and earning our customer’s trust every single day. Frank began developing his strong work ethic at the age of 12 when he began making home deliveries for the Challis Bakery in Orono, Ontario using a horse and buggy. He continued working at the bakery throughout his teenage years and was entrusted to drive the company truck at the age of 16.

Once Frank finished his education, he became a teacher in Newtonville and eventually a principal at an elementary school in Orono. During this time, Frank married his sweetheart, June Hannah, and they had five children ­­­­- Wayne, Bob, Glenda, Barry, and Don. There were many mouths to feed and it was difficult to provide on a principal’s salary, so when a store came up for sale on Summerhill Avenue right beside the Rosedale Market, run by Frank’s brother, the two purchased it and created the Summerhill Market. After five years, Frank was able to buy out his brother’s share of the business.

Frank encouraged all of his children and grandchildren to work in the business, which quickly became not just the center of the family, but also the hub of the community. Many kids and young adults came to work at Summerhill to gain their first work experience, and look back on their time here with fond memories. He led by example, and to this day, former and current employees still speak to his influence. Frank continued to work full-time in the store until just before his 89th birthday. He was definitely a man loved by many and respected by all.

Today, Brad and Christy McMullen are at the helm of the family business. Brad started working at Summerhill Market at the age of 10. A Chartered Accountant by trade, Christy worked internationally for years with KPMG before returning to her roots at the family business. Every day both Brad and Christy look for new ways to raise the bar when it comes to their father and grandfather’s tradition of providing the local community with fresh produce, superior grocery selection, choice meats and homemade prepared food items.  Summerhill remains a stronghold within the community and is dedicated to its history and passion for providing the best for its customers.