October 20, 2020 – As New Leaf Community Markets celebrates its 35th anniversary this month, exciting changes are underway. The natural foods chain has announced plans to relocate its Capitola store to the bustling corner of 41st Ave. and Capitola Road, near the current Lucky’s location[^1^]. Alongside this move, New Leaf is expanding its New Leaf & Friends line of locally-produced products and offering special promotions throughout the month[^1^].
“Reaching the milestone of 35 years in business is an incredible achievement, and we are truly grateful for our community and staff who have made New Leaf Community Markets a staple on the Central Coast. As we move forward stronger than ever, we are committed to creating a positive impact through our community work and preparing for continued growth in the years to come,” stated Forrest Gonsiewski, the vice president of New Leaf Community Markets[^1^].
Key Takeaways
Celebrating 35 Years of Community Excellence
In celebration of their anniversary, New Leaf is showing appreciation to their loyal customers and dedicated staff with special perks. Customers enrolled in the Neighbor Rewards program can enjoy exclusive benefits during their next shopping trip, including $5 off online delivery and pickup orders of $35 or more using the code HAPPY35YEARS[^1^]. Additionally, through the Neighbor Rewards Gift It! initiative, customers now have the opportunity to give back to local non-profit organizations by donating their $5 rewards[^1^].
New Leaf & Friends: A Unique Collaboration
To commemorate this momentous occasion, New Leaf has partnered with several local producers to create products for their newly expanded New Leaf & Friends program[^1^]. This program offers a unique twist on private-label items, as each product is meticulously crafted in collaboration with local artisans, demonstrating long-standing partnerships and reflecting the values of the regional food economy[^1^].
Among these new partnerships is a collaboration with Cat & Cloud Coffee, a Santa Cruz-based company. Together, they have developed three distinct one-pound bags of coffee, each inspired by the local community. “Coastal Fog,” for example, offers a rich, full-bodied brew with hints of dark chocolate and s’mores, perfect for starting your day off right[^1^].
Alex Marse, employee owner and head of Cat & Cloud’s Partner Program, expressed their excitement about the collaboration, saying, “At Cat & Cloud, we’re on a mission to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. We were thrilled when New Leaf approached us to collaborate on coffee for their New Leaf & Friends program. We’re honored to be aligned with such a fantastic local institution that has served its community so well for 35 years”[^1^].
A Bigger Space for a Brighter Future
In 2023, New Leaf will make its transition to a larger space in the King’s Plaza Shopping Center, enabling them to better serve their customers and expand their product offerings[^1^]. The increased store footprint will provide an enhanced shopping experience for the Capitola community, while maintaining New Leaf’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and community-oriented grocery services[^1^].
Benjamin Ow of Ow Family Properties, warmly welcomed the venture, stating, “My family and I are thrilled to welcome New Leaf to King’s Plaza Shopping Center. We are confident that New Leaf’s new store will offer an unparalleled customer experience, setting the bar high for quality, community-oriented, and sustainable grocery stores in our region”[^1^].
As New Leaf Community Markets embarks on this exciting new phase, they remain dedicated to their community, health-conscious offerings, and supporting local businesses. Join them in celebrating 35 years of nutritious and sustainable living, and get ready to experience an even better New Leaf Community Market in the years to come.
For more information about New Leaf Community Markets, visit the official Ames Farm Center website.
[^1^]: Source: Ames Farm Center
