After years of community planning, organizing, fundraising and build-out, SunCoast Market Co-op will celebrate the grand opening of its full-service, community-owned grocery store with a celebration and ribbon cutting on Jan. 31 at 600 Palm Ave., Suite 107, Imperial Beach.
The festivities will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with guest speakers — San Diego Supervisor Paloma Aguirre and Imperial Beach’s Mayor Pro Tempore Jack Fisher — scheduled for 9 to 9:30 a.m. The event will also feature giveaways, food samples and music.
Created by and for South County residents, SunCoast Market Co-op is a community-owned grocery store opening with a “hybrid” store model. It combines natural, organic, local and specialty foods with mainstream, value-priced staples, along with culturally-specific products from many traditions.
SunCoast will also offer fresh produce, bulk, bakery, deli grab-and-go items, a hot food bar and salad bar.
“This opening represents the power of people coming together to meet a shared need,” said Kim Rivero Frink, board president of SunCoast Market Co-op. “Every shelf, product and decision reflects community input and ownership. This is more than a grocery store; it’s a shared investment in our local economy and food system.”
Unlike conventional grocery stores, co-ops are owned by the community they serve. Members have a voice in how the store operates. Food co-ops often prioritize local farmers and producers, fair wages, ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.
