Good Earth Natural Foods is gearing up to plant a third flag in Marin County. They’re eyeing a spring 2027 debut in San Rafael.
The new 21,000-square-foot store will fill the former Rite Aid space at Northgate Mall. It’s set to become a key anchor in the bigger Northgate redevelopment, which is totally reshaping the heart of Marin’s east side.
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This move comes after years of loyal customers trekking in from Fairfax and beyond. Now, the local grocer is poised for growth as folks from Novato and even Sonoma County look for Marin’s organic and wellness-focused shopping vibe.
Northgate Mall redevelopment reshapes Marin’s retail landscape
The San Rafael project is a big deal for the aging Northgate site. Developers are transforming it into an open-air shopping center with mixed retail and up to 1,422 housing units.
Northgate Mall’s revival aims to blend convenience with a laid-back neighborhood feel. The hope is to pull shoppers off Highway 101 and create a new corridor connecting San Rafael with Larkspur, Mill Valley, and Corte Madera.
The Good Earth location will anchor this fresh look. It signals a shift toward more lively, street-front commerce in Marin.
Good Earth spent nearly a year negotiating the Northgate lease. They just signed on as a core tenant, which shows real confidence in where the redevelopment’s headed.
For Marin folks commuting from Novato or crossing into Sonoma County for groceries, this new store might just make life easier. It could cut down on trips and open up access to Good Earth’s signature organic produce, supplements, and that beloved hot bar.
Being near the interstate, the San Rafael store is a natural stop for shoppers from Corte Madera, Sausalito, and the greater Ross Valley. People who care about fresh, natural foods in a community-friendly spot are probably going to appreciate that.
What shoppers can expect at the San Rafael store
Good Earth’s San Rafael shop is set to mirror the Fairfax location in mission and scale. Still, it’ll have its own North Bay personality.
The store will feature a big organic department, a strong supplement selection, and a hot bar that’s already a favorite for Marinites after errands in the San Anselmo and Fairfax corridors.
Innovation in food service is one of their goals for the new spot. They’re hinting at fresh ideas that could make on-site dining and quick-service options even better for busy families traveling between Belvedere and San Quentin along the 101.
- Large footprint: About 21,000 square feet, designed for easy navigation through Marin’s best-selling organic lines.
- Robust selection: Loads of produce, bulk goods, and a wide vitamin and supplement department.
- Popular hot bar: A go-to for locals who want a quick, wholesome meal before heading to the beaches near Stinson Beach or the Marin Headlands.
- Food-service innovation: Planned upgrades to how shoppers dine and shop, keeping with Marin’s love for sustainable, local options.
Officials say the San Rafael site will serve current Good Earth fans in the North Bay and attract new faces from Novato and across Sonoma County. The brand’s reach will stretch further into the Marin community, which already includes Fairfax, San Anselmo, and Mill Valley.
A Fairfax-born favorite expanding its footprint
Good Earth’s roots run deep in Marin. The store started in Fairfax back in 1969, and a loyal customer base helped it grow into a regional staple.
The San Rafael expansion really shows how much people across the county love the brand. Folks from the cozy streets of San Rafael and Larkspur to the hills of Mill Valley and even Pacifica-adjacent neighborhoods have made Good Earth part of their routines.
This new store isn’t just about groceries. It’s expected to create over 200 jobs, which is great news for local families and part-time workers who travel from Novato and beyond.
Jessica Hurtado-Hansel, who heads up marketing and communications for Good Earth, says the San Rafael spot will make organic foods and wellness products easier to get for a lot more people. Residents of Sausalito and folks from the southern San Francisco Bay suburbs often come up to Marin for shopping and dining, so this feels like a win for them too.
SFGATE reported the announcement and updated it on February 24, 2026. It fits right in with Marin towns investing in mixed-use redevelopment—trying to support both locals and those shoppers who drive in for quality and a sense of community.
Why this matters for Marin’s towns—from Fairfax to San Rafael
Marin keeps changing—whether it’s Fairfax’s arts-and-food scene, the San Rafael waterfront’s slow renaissance, or the Novato commercial areas. The Good Earth expansion feels like part of a bigger shift toward walkable, integrated shopping experiences.
For places like Tiburon and Belvedere, this growth means more options for sustainable groceries and healthier living, plus local job opportunities. All that, and you get a scenic drive along the 101 corridor.
The San Rafael store’s opening will probably be a highlight for Marin County this year. Shoppers who care about local expertise and a mission rooted in natural foods and community will definitely notice.
Here is the source article for this story: Cult-favorite Bay Area grocery store to open a new local store
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