New Leaf Community Markets opened its newest store on Sept. 27 at 650 River Street, making a return to downtown Santa Cruz.
The new store is only about a mile away from the old store, but miles apart in size and scope. There’s more parking, more produce, more of everything. The produce department greets customers as soon as they walk through doors, with watermelons and apples practically gleaming as they are stacked in beautiful rows. Around the corner, the bins in the bulk section are filled with a wide variety of goods. Everywhere one looks there is something healthy for your stomach to desire.
“This store is one I’ve been excited about a long time,” said Forrest Gonzsiewski, group vice president of New Leaf Community Markets. “With a much larger format we can offer the Santa Cruz community a full grocery shop.”
It’s the sixth store for New Leaf, which will mark its 40th anniversary this month.
The new store is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.