Good Earth Expands, Anchoring San Rafael's Northgate Redevelopment

SAN RAFAEL, CA – February 24, 2026 – Good Earth Natural Foods, a cornerstone of Marin County's organic movement for over five decades, has announced a significant expansion with plans to open its third store in San Rafael. The independent grocer will become a key anchor tenant in the ambitious redevelopment of the Northgate Mall, signaling a new chapter for both the company and the future of retail in the city.

The new store is slated to open in Spring 2027, occupying a 21,300-square-foot freestanding building at 1500 Northgate, the former site of a Rite Aid. This move marks a carefully considered step for the retailer, whose existing locations in Fairfax and Mill Valley have cultivated a loyal following since its founding in 1969.

"We are thrilled to announce the opening of a 3rd Good Earth location in Marin County," said Stephen Mitchell, co-owner and Managing Partner. "We were focused on finding a location that allowed us to expand access to uncompromisingly clean, healthy, organic food throughout Marin, and to better serve our North Marin customers."

An Anchor for a New Era of Retail

Good Earth's arrival is more than just a new grocery option; it is a foundational piece of a massive urban transformation. The traditional Northgate Mall is being reimagined as Northgate Town Square, an open-air, mixed-use "main street experience." The San Rafael City Council approved the project in late 2024, paving the way for a development that will include up to 1,422 new residences, a significant portion of which will be designated as affordable housing.

The redevelopment plan involves reducing the mall's existing commercial footprint and creating a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment. Central to this vision is a nearly 60,000-square-foot Town Square designed for community gatherings, concerts, and family activities. With demolition scheduled to begin in Fall 2025, the project represents a strategic shift away from dated suburban mall models toward integrated urban living spaces.

By securing Good Earth as an anchor tenant, developers are betting on the power of experiential grocery to drive foot traffic and create a community hub. The grocer's reputation for quality and community engagement aligns perfectly with the project's goal of fostering an active social environment, making it a strategic choice to lead the retail revival.

Cultivating Growth in a Competitive Market

In a grocery landscape populated by national chains like Whole Foods and Sprouts, Good Earth's continued growth as an independent is a testament to its deep-rooted principles and unwavering standards. The company has successfully navigated a competitive market by differentiating itself not on price alone, but on a philosophy of 'uncompromising quality' that permeates every department.

This philosophy is most evident in its 100% certified organic produce department, a standard few grocers meet. The commitment extends to its renowned scratch-made prepared foods, where every dish—from the Taqueria to the sushi bar—is crafted in-house with organic ingredients, eschewing microwaves and Teflon pans. This dedication to purity has been a core part of the brand's identity since its early days as a food activist hub.

"We've always strived to grow in a way that feels thoughtful and authentic to who we are," noted co-owner and longtime food activist, Mark Squire. "We never want to rush our growth, because we want to ensure that our stores are living up to our customers' expectations for quality, selection, and service." Squire's history is deeply intertwined with the organic movement, having helped launch the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and serving on the board of the Non-GMO Project, which Good Earth was instrumental in starting.

Sowing Seeds in the Community

The new San Rafael location is poised to deliver significant local benefits, most notably the creation of over 200 new jobs. This figure is consistent with the staffing levels at its similarly sized Fairfax store, which employs around 250 people, suggesting a substantial boost to the local economy. The expansion also provides career advancement opportunities for current staff, a point of pride for the company's leadership.

"I'm pretty stoked we are going for it!" said co-owner Al Baylacq. "We have incredibly dedicated staff in both stores now and they deserve this 3rd store opportunity. I'm super proud that we can continue to not only provide upward mobility for key staff, but we also get to bring more Organic to new friends and families!"

News of the announcement has generated palpable excitement among North Marin residents. Online community forums lit up with positive reactions, with many praising the convenient location near Highway 101 and the ample parking. For many, the new store will drastically cut down travel time to access Good Earth's unique offerings. The location is strategically positioned to serve not only San Rafael but also customers from Novato and Sonoma County, expanding the grocer's regional footprint.

A Commitment Beyond the Shelf

Good Earth's mission extends far beyond the products it sells. The company operates on a deep-seated commitment to environmental sustainability, a practice that will be carried into the new location. The retailer sources 100% of its electricity from renewable sources through Marin Clean Energy's Deep Green program and has a large solar array atop its Fairfax store.

Furthermore, the grocer has pioneered innovative waste-reduction programs. An exemplary partnership with a local organic farm diverts pre-consumer food scraps from landfills, using them to feed chickens and create high-quality compost. This compost, in turn, helps grow produce that eventually returns to Good Earth's shelves, creating a closed-loop system that embodies their food-system philosophy.

In 2019, the company launched a sustainable packaging initiative to aggressively reduce plastic, favoring recyclable and compostable paper-based materials. This forward-thinking approach to operations, combined with its stringent sourcing standards and community focus, illustrates how the independent grocer has not only survived but thrived for over 55 years. The new San Rafael store represents the next logical step in its long journey of improving the health of both people and the planet.