Ventura county shoppers looking for a one-of-a-kind experience will find it at the new Whole Foods Market Oxnard when it opens on June 19 at 9.a.m. Known for tailoring its stores to each community, the company’s 30,000 square foot Oxnard store will have such standout features as a casual lounge and restaurant called Bar Rincon, named after the nearby popular surfing spot.
Located at 650 Town Center Drive (in The Collection shopping center), the much-anticipated store opening will mark the second Whole Foods Market to open in Ventura County.
Here are some PICTURES we took at Friends and Family Night where we had the opportunity to check out the store before its Grand Opening.
The new Oxnard store reflects the company’s mission of supporting sustainable agriculture and the environment. With a focus on fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, specialty items, high-quality meats and poultry, everyday pantry staples and sustainable seafood, the store will appeal to a variety of customers ranging from the health conscious to serious food enthusiasts.
SAVE THE DATE
To demonstrate Whole Foods Market’s commitment to the community, the company’s new Oxnard store will donate five percent of the day’s net sales on June 26 to the House Farm Workers! The donation will help provide more safe and affordable housing for hundreds of farm workers and their families.
MORE ABOUT THE STORE
“The Oxnard and surrounding communities have waited patiently for this new Whole Foods Market to open and we are very excited to finally bring them their own store with features that reflect the unique lifestyle in this area,” said Patrick Bradley, regional president for Whole Foods Market Southern Pacific Region. “Oxnard is considered an agricultural “hub,” and we have many great local farmers and artisans based here whose products we look forward to bringing directly to our customers.”
The store’s commitment to locally-sourced products is evidenced by its offerings from more than 100 local vendors and farmers from nearby Ventura and Los Angeles counties including: American Berry, Johannes, Kenter Canyon, One Wine, Pitmans, Morro Bay Avocados, Hearst Beef, Deardroff, Ray Rodriguez strawberries, Garlic Gold, Ventura Surf Brewery, Duverger Macaroons, Santa Ynez Lavender and Rori’s Ice Creamery.
Designed and built with the environment in mind, the store’s interior reflects the agricultural significance and “laid-back” beach culture of Oxnard and its surrounding communities. Given its close proximity to the Channel Islands, design elements inspired by travel to and exploration of the islands will be prevalent throughout the store complimented by patterns inspired by sea urchins, sea kelp and nearby hills. The bright colors reflect natural elements such as the different colors of the ocean; the sky at sunrise and sunset; and the colors of fruits and vegetables as they ripen.
“In addition to the quality and service our shoppers have come to expect in our other locations, the Oxnard store is unique not only for the products that we offer, but the commitment we will have with our residents and local vendors,” said Jerry Hanson, store team leader at Whole Foods Market Oxnard. We are excited to be part of a beautiful new center that has already become a popular shopping destination and look forward to bringing customers an experience that truly sets Whole Foods Market apart from any other market,” added Hanson.
OXNARD STORE STAND-OUT FEATURES
Bar Rincon: A relaxing and casual bar/restaurant with seating for more than 50 people and a rotating selection of more than 24 craft beers on tap, plus wine and an extensive menu featuring local produce and sustainable meats. A daily happy hour will also be available.
Additional highlights of the Whole Foods Market Oxnard shopping experience include:
- Extensive produce section: Seasonal varieties including locally grown fruits and vegetables like: McGrath Farms locally grown strawberries, Morro Bay Avocados, San Miguel Produce, Kenter Canyon and numerous offerings from our friends at Givens Farms and Deardorff Farms.
- Meat department: Highest quality meat, from animals raised without antibiotics and added hormones. All meats adhere to Whole Foods Market’s stringent quality standards, including a full line of 100 percent grass-fed, locally-sourced beef and chicken, a variety of selections ready to take home and cook, and in-house smoked meats will be offered. The meat department will feature local Hearst seasonal grass-fed beef.
- Seafood department: Sustainably-sourced fresh filets, steaks, local and seasonal seafood, whole fish and oven-ready selections. Fresh seafood is delivered up to six days a week. The seafood department is working closely with fishermen in Ventura Harbor to bring local fish to the store straight from the dock.
- Hot and cold bar options: Prepared salads and rotating hot menu items featuring healthy Plant-Strong™ (no added oil) soups, salads and entrees. Other features will include a full Asian menu with sushi and a salad bar with many organic options from local vendors.
- Full in-store bakery: A team of dedicated bakers creating freshly made breads from scratch, including Sperlonga, baguettes, muffins, cupcakes, fruit tarts, cookies, and special diet selections like vegan, Plant-Strong™ and gluten-free treats. Oxnard exclusive bakery items will include delicious savory croissants such as Parmesan Leek Croissants and new biscotti with several flavors including Cranberry Pistachio and Chocolate Hazelnut. The bakery will also use local fresh strawberries from Oxnard to make fresh parfaits and strawberry shortcakes.
- Juice and coffee bar: Fresh squeezed juices and freshly brewed coffee specialties using 100 percent Arabica coffees and organically grown fruits and vegetables. Hand-brewed, “top-shelf” coffee drinks will also be featured on the menu. Popular Oxnard juice concoctions will include: ‘Field of Greens,’ a green powerhouse juice loaded with vitamins and antioxidants and ‘Health Starts here’ 100 percent plant-based smoothies like the ‘Berry Nutritious’ and ‘Green & Glowing.’
- Bulk and raw foods: Selection featuring heirloom beans, sprouted nuts/grains/granolas and trail mixes and an expanded bulk section.
- Prepared foods: Serving a wide variety of everyday favorites such as handcrafted pizza by the slice or the whole pie, in-house chips, custom-made sandwiches, burritos and tacos at the taqueria, bar and meals-on-the-go. There will be Weekday Deals including pizza specials, value meals, $2 dollar off food bars on Wednesday and Rotisserie chicken deals.
- Specialty: A comprehensive selection of raw, grass fed and farmstead cheese as well as charcuterie/deli meats many of which are made/roasted in house using organic, local and grass fed options when available.
- Wine: Largest selection of organic and sulfite-free wines, some starting at $2.49 per 750ml bottle and more than 100 varieties under $10. Large selection of local and 90 Point rated wines under $25.
- Beer: 72 feet of chilled beer with an impressive assortment of local craft beers, domestic favorites and unique imports.
- Whole Body section: Dedicated to pampering and caring for the body, the Oxnard Whole Body department will be lined with luxurious personal care and beauty items including body care items that meet Whole Foods Market’s Premium Body Care standards and Organic Labeling guidelines.
- Other items will include nutritional supplements, herbal remedies and top-of-the-line baby care items
- Floral: The store will feature fresh flowers from all local vendors, including Pyramid Flowers, Ocean Breeze, Por La Mar and A&M Flowers.
- Free Wi-Fi, total seating for 100 (including the Bar Rincon) and plenty of parking.
For additional information on Whole Foods Market’s Oxnard store, please visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com or to stay updated on grand opening events and activities, follow Whole Foods Market Oxnard on Facebook or Twitter .
