Last month, we reported that the New Santa Clara Market at 799 Haight St. had closed and was in the process of merging with Santa Clara Natural Organic Market across the street at 798 Haight St. Now, after six weeks of renovations and redesign, Santa Clara Natural Organic Market has debuted as a stand-alone business under new ownership.
The new market carries much of the same selection as before—produce, household goods, bulk items, organic groceries—only now in a cleaner, more organized space. Metal shelving and longer aisles make the market feel more spacious, and 13 new refrigerators stocked with beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages line the back wall. The produce, which was tucked away in the back corner, is now adjacent to the front window (a move that, according owner Louie Atieh, has already dramatically increased produce sales.)
Owner Louie Atieh manning the front counter, now complete with liquor selection.
Perhaps the biggest change at Santa Clara is the addition of a liquor selection (the market did not sell alcohol under the previous owners.) In addition to beer and wine, the market has a huge shelf stocked with liquor transported from the market across the street.
Atieh immigrated here from Syria in 2001. He was immediately drawn to the Lower Haight vibe, and began managing the Haight Fillmore Whole Foods Co. He returned to Syria for a few years, but now he’s happy to be back in the neighborhood with a new gig.
Although renovations and redesign are complete, the shelves are still a bit sparse. But Atieh is expecting $20,000 worth of goods to arrive this week, and the place should be fully stocked by the end of this month, so stop by soon to check out the changes.
As for what will become of the former New Santa Clara Market across the street at 799 Haight St., there's no word yet, but stay tuned for updates.
