SunCoast Market Co-op Opens in Imperial Beach: First Locally-Owned Grocery

After a decade of organizing, SunCoast Market Co-op opens Imperial Beach’s first fresh, locally-owned grocery store

On January 31, 2026, SunCoast Market Co‑op opened in Imperial Beach, fulfilling a decade‑long community vision. The 6,200‑sq‑ft co‑op at 600 Palm Avenue is the city’s first fresh, locally‑owned grocery, offering organic produce and the only salad bar in town.

Background and timeline

Origins: Organizers began planning a community‑owned market in 2016 and continued years of outreach and fundraising. The co‑op signed a lease at 600 Palm Avenue, Suite 107 in October 2024, a key milestone that moved the project from vision to site selection.

By June 2025 SunCoast launched a final fundraising push and entered the store build‑out phase. Organizers ultimately raised $4.1 million to cover incorporation, marketing, events, store construction and opening expenses, and the market opened its doors to owners and the public on Jan. 31, 2026. For a snapshot, see 10News Streamline preview and the detailed report at SunCoast Market opens in IB with a decade of community effort behind it.

Store features, vendors and services

SunCoast operates a hybrid model blending natural and organic products with mainstream staples and culturally specific items. About 90% of fresh produce is organic or natural, and the store emphasizes waste reduction through bulk bins for grains, nuts, granola and beans.

Unique amenities: Imperial Beach’s only salad bar; a hot food section with daily rotating menus including breakfast burritos, deli wraps, sandwiches, homemade entrees and vegetarian soups; a dining area for on‑site meals; a Dr. Bonner’s refill soap station; and a fresh‑ground peanut and almond butter station.

Local and regional vendors are prominently featured — names drawn from farmers markets and South Bay makers such as Visitor Coffee Roasters, Equal Exchange, The Surfing Sasquatch and Suds & Bath Buds. Coverage of the store’s offerings is available at SunCoast Market Co‑op opens as Imperial Beach’s first fresh, locally‑owned grocery store.

Ownership structure and community participation

Cooperative model: SunCoast is a consumer co‑op: customers can buy ownership shares that include discounts, annual rebates and voting rights in board elections. The co‑op opened with 1,505 owners, growing from founding investors who started contributing in 2017–2018.

Governance & leadership: The volunteer board is publicly listed: President Kim Frink, Vice President Shannon Ratliff, Treasurer Shirley Soth, Secretary Brooke Truesdale and directors Michael Shank, Anna Kirsner, Robyn Abadie, Beverly Florence, Peggy Keating and Chris Kwast. General Manager Andre Chavez leads daily operations. The co‑op partnered with National Co+op Grocers for support on surveys, marketing, merchandising and purchasing power (Coronado Times).

Economic impact, employment and financial questions

SunCoast opened employing approximately 25 people and projects an annual economic contribution of roughly $6.5 million to Imperial Beach, figures shared by co‑op leadership. Organizers state the $4.1 million fundraising total covered start‑up costs, but long‑term sustainability will hinge on steady sales, membership growth and operating margins (10News Streamline preview).

“The co‑op model can help stabilize revenue through memberships, but it requires active community buy‑in to keep prices competitive and shelves stocked,” organizers said.

Key areas to watch:

• Affordability & reach: Will organic and specialty items be affordable for lower‑income residents? Membership discounts and rebates may help, but price monitoring is essential.
• Membership & governance: Growth from 1,505 owners and active participation will shape decisions on pricing, hiring and programming.
• Financial sustainability: Managing inventory, waste and competitive pricing will be critical to meet economic projections.

Historical and community significance

SunCoast is the second cooperative grocery of its kind in San Diego County and the first in roughly 50 years since the Ocean Beach People’s Food Co‑op (est. 1971). It is also the first such store to open in a predominantly Latino community in the county, a milestone organizers emphasize for representation and food access.

The grand opening included local dignitaries and programming: San Diego County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre and Imperial Beach Mayor Pro Tem Jack Fisher spoke at the ribbon cutting; the morning featured vendor booths, food demos, music, kids’ activities and samples (see KPBS event listing for grand opening).

Implications for San Diego and residents

Economic: The estimated $6.5 million annual boost and local hiring demonstrate how small co‑ops can support South Bay neighborhoods and potentially expand procurement from nearby farms and small businesses.

Political & social: Local official support at the ceremony signals potential policy interest in community‑driven food projects. The store’s salad bar, hot food counter and dining area create a neighborhood gathering place, blending health‑food trends with culturally relevant offerings.

Practical: With daily hours from 7 a.m.–9 p.m., bulk options, prepared meals and membership benefits, SunCoast aims to improve convenience and healthy‑food access — though residents should watch pricing and participation requirements as the co‑op scales.

Sources and further reading

• SunCoast Market Co‑op opens as Imperial Beach’s first fresh, locally‑owned grocery store — 10News
• 10News Streamline preview — 10News
• SunCoast Market opens in IB with a decade of community effort behind it — Coronado Times
• KPBS event listing for grand opening — KPBS

Note: All facts, figures and URLs in this article are preserved from original reporting sources linked above. For ongoing updates, follow the co‑op’s announcements and the referenced coverage.