When it comes to zero waste, Origins Grocer owner Maria Herrera believes progress is better than perfection. She doesn’t even like the term zero waste—it sounds like an impossible goal, doesn’t it? But since opening Origins last year, her vision has been to help educate people how to take steps, even baby ones, to reduce their impact on the earth.
“What we’re trying to do is really just give people an option to shop with less waste and more intention,” Herrera explains. Origins sources close to 1,000 different products like locally roasted coffee, eggs from a farm in Ramona, all sorts of spices, herbs, nuts, seeds, grains, beauty items, and much more, all in minimal to no packaging to massively reduce waste and support local producers at the same time. It’s a one-stop shop for the most part, and it’s worked better than she dreamed. So well, in fact, she’s opening a second location at 2361 30th Street on Friday, September 12 (in time for Taste of South Park the next day).
Herrera wasn’t actively looking to expand quite so soon after launching the business. “I was approached by somebody in the neighborhood,” she says, so she started looking around. Even though the two locations are only two miles apart, South Park has comparatively fewer* grocery options for the hyperlocal community. When the former Plum Pottery building came up for lease, she saw an opportunity to both plug into the neighborhood and expand her vision of Origins.
Since the space in South Park is much larger than the North Park suite, she’ll have room to add more retail, more fresh and refrigerated goods, a few bistro tables for onsite consumption, and what Herrera calls a “community table” for workshops, group dinners, and various classes. “We’re always looking for local makers and creators in the food space, but also it doesn’t have to be food… if people want to reach out, please do, because we’re looking for opportunities to collaborate.”
Along with reducing waste, community and collaboration are keystones of Origins. Any opportunity for people to learn, connect, and create together is a golden one, and one Herrera hopes people keep responding well to. And hey, if you can help save the earth at the same time, so much the better.
Origins Grocer soft opens on Friday, September 12 at 2361 30th Street in South Park, and will host an official grand opening party later this fall. Its first location at 2855 El Cajon Boulevard, Suite 4 in North Park is currently open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
*Yes, I am aware there is a Target and a Food Bowl in South Park. I said fewer, not none!
San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events
Yes, It’s September. That Means Oktoberfest Time.
Contrary to popular belief, Oktoberfest almost always kicks off in September (and is my favorite event of the year). There are a few events you should have on your radar, though—I’m looking at you, El Cajon Oktoberfest, as well as the yodeling competition at Original 40—but the first one of the season runs from September 19 through 28 at Liberty Public Market. Craftoberfest features rotating brewery specials, live entertainment, games, specials, and all sorts of goodies to get into the Oktoberfest spirit. Remember: Oktoberfest season is a marathon, not a sprint. Good luck, and prost!
Beth’s Bites
- Pepino is still in the works, but it looks like it’s getting a lot closer to opening in La Jolla. You know what that means… it’s collab time! On Saturday, September 6, Pepino is popping over to Le Coq for a brunch takeover from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Get a sneak peek at the menu, enjoy cocktails, and come early—it’s first come, first served.
- When I consulted my Magic 8 ball about upcoming restaurant openings in San Diego, its response was clear: “Outlook good.” And I’ve got to hand it to the mysterious forces this time—the outlook does look good. We’ve got Johnny Rad’z Pizza from pro skater Mike McGill coming to Encinitas, Tacos El Franc is opening its second San Diego location in Gaslamp this month, Round1 Bowling & Arcade prepping two more sites (Escondido and Mission Valley), Japanese cream puff legend Beard Papa’s is opening soon on Convoy, and Con Azucar Cafe just opened at 531 F Street last weekend. It’s a delicious bonanza! My list of places to visit keeps getting longer…
Listen Now: The Latest in San Diego’s Food and Drink Scene
