If you live in the Lower Haight, you've probably noticed that Santa Clara Natural Organic Market at Haight & Scott has been closed all summer. However, the popular store has just announced that it will reopen for business next Wednesday, September 14th.
Owner Loaui "Louie" Atien took over Santa Clara Market last July, remodeling the store for six weeks before reopening it to the public. The most notable addition was a new liquor section at the front of the shop.
But on May 16th, less than a year after opening, he was forced to shut down once again, so his landlord could perform earthquake retrofits on the building. Atien described the updates as "standard," but told us they still took four months to complete.
"We lost money, we lost customers, we lost product," he told us. "Everything organic expired, and we had to toss it. We also missed out on valuable summer business."
But despite the loss of business, Atien is optimistic about reopening and continuing business as usual, with a few improvements. "Every section will have more items, and we will also carry more food," he reported. "And the building will be stronger and more prepared for an earthquake."
If you're around next Wednesday, stop by Santa Clara Market, say hello and check out its expanded offerings.
