Sprouts grocery store coming to Downey

DOWNEY - Sprouts, a grocery store chain usually found in upper scale neighborhoods that specializes in healthy and organic food, is opening a location in Downey. The announcement came at a town hall meeting hosted by Mayor Mario Guerra Wednesday night at the Barbara J. Riley Community and Senior Center.

Guerra didn't divulge many details about the new store, but sources told the Patriot that Sprouts is eyeing a location on Firestone Boulevard -- possibly across from Stonewood Center -- after rejecting the former Downey Ford site at Lakewood Boulevard and Gallatin Road.

Sprouts recently opened a store in Whittier after the City Council there approved financial incentives for the developer. They also have a store on Woodruff Avenue in Lakewood.

Guerra also announced that Habit Burger Grill, known for its customizable charbroiled burgers, is opening a restaurant at a location to be determined in Downey. The closest Habit Burger to Downey is currently in Norwalk.

"Job creation" seemed to be the theme of Guerra's presentation, which lasted more than an hour and touted Downey's recent success in economic development. He praised Porto's Bakery -- which attracts about 7,000 to 9,000 customers daily -- for spurring growth downtown, including Joseph's Bar & Grill which is replacing Granata's and the Lock and Key Social Drinkery, which is taking over a former retail store.

According to the mayor, downtown may be further transformed if Miller Mies Mortuary moves out of its location on Downey Avenue and 3rd Street next year. Guerra said the Miller Mies recently merged with Zrelak Mortuary, which is prompting the move.

********** Published: Oct. 17, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 27