The making of a No Frills owner

Pam Key grew up learning grocery from the inside.

Her parents owned and operated their own franchise for 40 years, and from a young age, Pam saw what ownership really meant. It was early mornings, hard work and constant learning. It was also regular customers, strong teams and the pride that comes from being part of a community.

“I started working in grocery at a very young age with parents who owned and operated their own franchise,” says Pam. “This led to my love of the grocery retail world, and I have always been in the business, growing my experience every day.”

Pam carried that experience with her throughout her career. She had owned a previous franchise herself, so she already understood the dedication it takes to run a store. She also knew the best parts of ownership: building a team, getting to know customers, and becoming part of the daily life of a community.

When she heard about the No Frills^® Franchise Academy, it felt like the right next step.

The Academy is a pathway to No Frills ownership for both internal Loblaw colleagues and external candidates. It gives future owners the chance to learn the business from a full-store perspective, with hands-on experience, exposure across departments, and support from experienced operators who understand what it takes to lead.

For internal colleagues, it can open the door to a new kind of career path within Loblaw. For external candidates like Pam, it offers a way to bring their experience, leadership and passion into the No Frills business.

Through the Academy, Pam spent time learning how the No Frills business works, built relationships with experienced store owners and developed a network she still turns to today.

“You learn from the best,” says Pam. “You develop relationships that help you down the road when you get your own franchise.”

That support helped Pam build confidence for what came next. Today, she is co-store owner of Pam & Steve’s No Frills^® in Sudbury, Ontario, where she brings her experience and love of grocery to life every day.

For Pam, ownership is about more than running a store. It is about leading a team, showing up for customers and creating the kind of local connection she grew up seeing in her own family’s business.

As No Frills continues to grow in communities across Canada, there is a real opportunity for future owners to step forward. The Franchise Academy is one way to explore that path, learn what ownership can look like, and take the first step toward leading a store of your own.

To learn more about ownership opportunities and the No Frills Franchise Academy, visit careers.loblaw.ca.(Open in a new tab) Internal colleagues can also complete the summer intake form, which is open until July 26, 2026.

Pam’s advice to anyone considering the Academy is simple: start by being curious.

“Curiosity is the first sign of leadership,” she says. “You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to be willing to grow. The Franchise Academy gives you the tools, the knowledge and the confidence to see what’s possible. The only step you need to take is the first one.”