Good Earth Natural Foods Opening in San Rafael

Good Earth has been a pillar of Marin County's organic food scene since it first opened in Fairfax in 1969. The fiercely independent grocer, which also operates a store in Mill Valley, has built a loyal following for its strict commitment to organic products and its extensive prepared foods section. The new San Rafael location is part of a massive redevelopment of Northgate Mall into "Northgate Town Square." The project, approved by the city council in late 2024, will replace the traditional mall with an open-air "main street experience" featuring retail spaces and 1,422 new housing units. Demolition is slated to begin in the fall of 2025. Co-owner Mark Squire, a longtime health food activist, has been with Good Earth since its early days and has been instrumental in its mission-driven approach. This includes initiatives like launching an organic school food program and successfully campaigning to ban plastic bags in Fairfax. The 21,000-square-foot store will occupy a space formerly held by a Rite Aid. Good Earth plans for the new location to mirror its other stores, offering a full selection of organic produce, a meat and seafood counter, a hot bar, and a café serving coffee and fresh juices. This expansion into northern Marin is a strategic move for the company. In an announcement, Good Earth stated the location's convenience, right off the 101 freeway, is intended to help them "expand our reach in Marin and better serve our North Marin customers." The store will join a competitive but community-focused grocery landscape in San Rafael, which includes local staples like United Markets and Andy's Local Market.