BriarPatch Food Co-op inches closer to second store in Auburn

BriarPatch Food Co-op is inching closer to opening its long-awaited second store on Bell Road in Auburn. The new target is August 2023. "We are resolving the final issues that have held up our construction and are beginning the last phase of this exciting initiative to bring high-quality organic and local foods to Auburn and Placer County," said Chris Maher, general manager. International supply chain issues nearly ground renovations to a halt last fall, when critical parts needed for the store's main electrical panel became impossible to come by. Now in its 47th year, the cooperative with strong roots in Grass Valley will begin accepting applications for key support team positions for its yet-to-open Auburn store beginning in late May. The new store will have 100 positions, part time and full time. The Co-op offers health benefits to full-time employees benefits. "BriarPatch is an amazing place to work. We have a kind and caring management team who focus on creating and supporting individual employee growth and learning," said LeeAnne Haglund, director of human resources. "Change comes from the inside out, and we are working for positive change in our communities every day." Located in 23,000 square feet of the former Kmart building, the new store occupies infrastructure with Old Navy and Harbor Freight Tools in the shopping center that houses Rite Aid and BevMo! The interior of the new store is adorned in colorful décor and there is a hand-painted mural on the patio wall in the former garden space. Shoppers can enjoy a deli and hot bar, sustainable meat and seafood department, 99 percent organic produce department, expanded wine and craft brew and cocktail selections, a gourmet cheese island, plant-based paradise, non-packaged bulk food and herbs, and more. The building features a self-checkout option or curbside pickup with dedicated parking near the store entrance. An in-store demo area will allow for tastings and recipe promos, and the outdoor patio and dining area is sure to become a hub for gatherings. The community room can be reserved for meetings, classes and other special events. Interior Designer Gabby Rosi and Blend Design of Portland helped create the overall look and feel of the project. Their past design projects include Whole Foods in Sunnyvale and Alameda and the Tillamook Creamery in Oregon. The store's transcritical C02 natural refrigeration system emits a fraction of the greenhouse gasses of traditional HFC coolers; only 2 percent of U.S. grocery stores currently use this technology. BriarPatch began as a natural food buyers' club in 1976 and moved to several locations over the years in Nevada County before building the 20,000-square-foot store on Sierra College Drive in Grass Valley. Known for its organic, ethically raised and locally grown food, the cooperative works with local farmers in the Sacramento watershed to pre-plan crops, ensuring consumer needs are met and family farmers thrive.