Residents of Imperial Beach now have a new place to shop for quality organic foods, everyday products, and local produce. After a 10-year wait, SunCoast Market Co-op officially opened its doors on Saturday, January 31, with a big celebration. A long line of customers waited to enter the store right after the ribbon cutting and were ready to peruse and shop. The market features hot foods to go, a salad bar, sushi, and locally made products such as quiches by La Flamme Fraçaise and coffee by Visitor Coffee, among others.

Board members were excited and emotional about the opening day. Ten years ago, a group of locals decided to open a market that would fit the needs of the community. Stores like Trader Joe’s and others had turned the city down, so the group took action. Thanks to much fundraising, grants, and membership drives, the $4 million store opening was made possible.

Co-op Board President Kim Frink recalled some of the first exploratory meetings, which then-Mayor Serge Dedina attended in December 2015. She credited him with helping the board get the first grant. Frink also talked about the OB People’s Market, which was instrumental in guiding the group.

Board Member Shannon Ratliff was amazed at the number of people who showed up to the grand opening celebration. She said the store is the physical evidence of community, which is hard to find in this day and age. The dream was of opening the store with community in mind — buying from local farmers and producers and providing a direct pathway to customers, lifting up local businesses, and giving better options to locals.

Frink thanked many donors, volunteers, and organizations, including the American Heart Association; the City of Imperial Beach; the County of San Diego; private individuals; the Local Enterprise Assistance Fund; March & Ash; Neighborhood National Bank; the Previs Foundation; San Diego International Airport; and San Diego Community Power.

District 1 Supervisor Paloma Aguirre said the tenacious team made the impossible possible. “For many years, we were told Imperial Beach was not worthy of a store offering healthy foods, healthy produce… Sprouts, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s turned us down. What did we do? We said Hell no, we deserve better.’” Aguirre presented a proclamation on behalf of the entire County Board of Supervisors to the co-op, declaring January 31, 2026, SunCoast Market Co-op Day in the county.

Mayor Pro Tem Jack Fisher has been an active supporter of the co-op. He has donated his time as a professional chef, participated in fundraisers, taught cooking classes, and held demonstrations at the Farmer’s Market. “Greatness is not measured by what you do, but what it takes to get to where you are at,” he said. Fisher also praised SunCoast for bringing a true Farmer’s Market to Imperial Beach, where farmers and local businesses brought their wares to sell. He also reminded the attendees that the “store will not survive on your congratulations…will only survive if you shop here and spend you hard earned money here.”

After the celebration, which included samples, coffee, and cake for the attendees, three generations of Imperial Beach residents were the first shoppers to enter the store. Michelle Albanez lives within walking distance and shopped with her daughter and father. “We’ve been waiting a long time. For so many years, we were denied by other stores,” she said. Albanez said the items seemed reasonably priced, and she plans to shop at the co-op regularly.

Another shopper, Bonnie Grosvenor, said she was impressed with the store. She used to live in Imperial Beach before moving and traveled from North County for the opening. Grosvenor is a sommelier and helped with one of SunCoast fundraisers a few summers ago.

“I wanted to see this come to fruition,” she said. “I’m impressed. Everything looks so fresh and inviting.”

VOL. 42, NO. 6 – Feb. 5, 2026