“We closed to try to come up with a different model” run by an independent operator said Hendren. “We have several people who want to lease the building using the ‘fresh’ concept and whatever we do will be better than before.”For the short-term the priority is “Getting the right people with the right products together” for reopening the business which Hendren projected could take three to six weeks.Elsewhere in the Mercantile things are running smoothly with the self-service car wash proving so popular that it is being expanded to include vacuums and vending for car care products.Bob’s Big Boy and Café Brasil are doing “Very well” noted Hendren, as are the other Mercantile components.The Mercantile opened in March after a complete renovation of the long-closed facility that transformed the blighted corner considered a city gateway, into the gas station and shopping center.The creation of the Mercantile reflects Limoneira’s stated pledge to help revitalize Santa Paula’s economy by providing a unique experience - heavy on nostalgia and local history - for residents as well as to tourists.
Mercantile: Limoneira Fresh closed while new operator sought
August 19, 2005
Santa Paula News
Limoneira Company has been the top area grower for more than 100 years but believes that the retail sale of fresh produce would be better handled by someone else.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesLimoneira Company has been the top area grower for more than 100 years but believes that the retail sale of fresh produce would be better handled by someone else.Limoneira Fresh, the produce store in the company-created Mercantile located at Hallock Drive and Highway 126 has closed while a new operator is sought, according to Vice President of Operations/Real Estate Ron Hendren.Limoneira Fresh was the company’s first attempt to provide a direct outlet for area growers.Opened in March the Limoneira Mercantile reinvented an abandoned gas station complex to not only serve vehicles but also shoppers. Aside from the 76 Union gas station - to reflect the area’s Union Oil history - the complex contains a self-service car wash, convenience store and Café Brasil Coffee Shop. The company also opened a Bob’s Big Boy Express for an added dose of nostalgia.Limoneira Fresh - created in a 3,200 square foot building formerly filled by an automotive service business - offered fresh produce, honey, flowers, specialty foods, mushrooms, fruit labels, T-shirts, soaps and Limoneira gourmet gift packs. It also featured an indoor Honey Hut showing bees hard at work.
