Grow owner Barry Fisher previously worked 20 years as an exporter, and so when he established his produce store on Sepulveda Boulevard in Manhattan Beach a few years ago, he knew the dirty little secret of the fruit and produce industry: ironically, because of its relative proximity to the growers of central California, Los Angeles had become the dumping ground for lesser-quality fruit and produce. The top quality fruit, because it can survive longer shipping routes, went elsewhere. And so Fisher circumvented the process – because of the small-scale nature store, he can buy small batches of the very best fruit and sell it at a price that is competitive with larger stores. “You’d think we’d have the best product because it’s in our backyard, but that’s not the case,” Fisher said. “That is how a place like Grow can thrive, because we are not bringing in product that is typical to the L.A. market. I find the best that California has to offer and put it in the store.” Grow is also growing: last weekend, the store re-opened after a month’s hiatus for a major expansion: more space for fruit, a larger choices of beverages, cheeses, meat, fish, and new sections for bulk foods as well as prepared meals. Fisher said he and his wife, Kathy, are simply responding to what their loyal customer asked for: more Grow. He also noted that the couple were out on a walk last week and a half dozen people stopped them to ask when the store would be open again.
“One woman said, ‘We really want you guys to open. My husband and my kids noticed a drop-off in the quality of food we are bringing home,’” Fisher said. “To hear that, it’s really special, and that much more frustrating we haven’t been open. But at the same time I sleep at night knowing we are coming back and folks are going to support us.”
Grow, 1830 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Manhattan Beach. 310-545-2904, GrowDelivers.com.
Runner up: Sprouts Market, 515 Hawthorne Blvd. Redondo Beach. 424-903-7028, Sprouts.com.
