Northgate González Market is turning one of its oldest neighborhood stores into a full-blown cultural destination. The Anaheim-based grocer announced it will transform its longtime La Habra location into a Mercado González, the company’s immersive, mercado-style retail concept.
According to a company press release, the reimagined store will blend everyday grocery shopping with Mexican food, artisan goods, live entertainment and community gathering spaces.
A Familiar Store, Reimagined
The La Habra location has served the community for decades. Northgate says it has long supported local partners, including Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, The Gary Center, La Habra and Sonora high schools, and the Boys & Girls Club of La Habra.
Now, that store is getting a major upgrade.
“Mercado González is more than a grocery store; it’s where the table comes to life,” Oscar González, Northgate’s co-president, said in the release. He added that the concept aims to celebrate regional Mexican flavors while preserving the “warmth and hospitality” tied to Mexican culture.
Shoppers will still find the fresh produce, quality meats and authentic ingredients Northgate is known for, the company said. But the new format layers on an entirely different guest experience.
Modeled After a Growing Concept
The La Habra project builds directly on Northgate’s flagship Mercado González in Costa Mesa. That 70,000-square-foot store opened in November 2023 and quickly became a regional destination. It features vibrant murals by Mexican artist Claudio Limón, more than 20 food stalls, artisanal products, community kitchens, live music, a bar, and seating areas where customers can gather.
La Habra will follow a similar plan. Visitors will find colorful murals, handcrafted details, and authentic Mexican architecture throughout the store.
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What’s Inside the New Mercado
According to the family-owned company, the La Habra Mercado will have the following features:
- Puestos, or food stalls: Vendors will include Taquería Los Mesquites, Carnitas Don Miguel, Guisados Las Cazuelas, Rosticería Los 13 Pollos and Cevichería El Pariente, among others.
- El Moro Churrería: The famed Mexico City churro shop returns with its signature churros and hot chocolate.
- Entre Nos Bar: An indoor space serving Mexican beers, craft cocktails, mezcal and tequila, with live entertainment.
- Entertainment stage and patio: A new outdoor area will host live music and community programming.
- Artesanías & Dulcería: Shoppers can browse handmade Mexican crafts, gifts and traditional sweets.
Part of a Larger Growth Story
Northgate González Market was founded in 1980 and remains family-owned. The company now operates 46 stores in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties, and employs more than 8,300 associates.
The Mercado González concept represents a strategic pivot for the chain. At La Habra, Northgate is transforming an existing store into an experiential hub. This approach lets the company modernize its footprint while staying rooted in longtime communities.
In an interview with Abasto Media, Óscar González, co-president of Northgate González Markets, said that the goal of the Mercado is to recreate an authentic market like those found across Latin America, featuring food stalls and a vibrant cultural atmosphere. La Habra is now joining this expanding format.
Northgate has not yet announced a firm opening date. Additional details, including grand opening festivities, will be announced in the coming months.