What would bring hundreds of people at 7 a.m. Friday morning to a new business in Carson City? Answer: The long-awaited opening of Sprouts grocery store.
Today, Friday, is the grand opening of Sprouts, located at 3193 Market Street. The store is best known for its focus on fresh, healthy food, a wide variety of produce and health products.
True to its farm-stand heritage, Spouts is often compared to a farmers market under under one roof, giving shoppers a unique, open floor grocery experience.
A line around the store formed before the 7 a.m. opening, with some standing and waiting as early as 4 a.m. to be included among the first 200 shopper to receive free reusable bags filled with produce, food samples and more. Not only that, but the first 400 guests also received a long-stem rose courtesy of Falcon Farms Floral.
After the ceremonial ribbon cutting by the Carson City Chamber of Commerce welcoming the store to the capital city, customers waiting in line filed into the store, being greeted by warm and welcoming cheers, claps, reusable bags, plenty of food samples and more. The store’ has 85 employees who were there to welcome them in.
Inside, customers wandered through the aisles, acknowledging the store’s size, the varieties of produce, as well as to sample food and take in the celebratory atmosphere with fellow customers and employees.
As part of the grand opening there are plenty of giveaways and specials, with customers being able to receive 20 percent off their purchases through the weekend.
During the outside ribbon cutting, Sprouts Store Manager Sarah Buddenbrock welcomed all those who came for the early morning experience.
“We are thrilled to be here! Our purpose is helping people live and eat better. Today is not just about opening doors, it’s about opening possibilities for our community,” said Buddenbrock.
“This moment signifies a milestone, not only for Sprouts but also for the vibrant community of Carson City. It is with immense pride that I recognize the collective effort, dedication and hard work that have brought us to this pivotal point. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in this meticulous planning, set up and training that have laid the foundation for our success. Their unwavering commitment exemplifies the spirit of excellence that defines Sprouts.
“I am honored to acknowledge the exceptional team behind this achievement, my outstanding ‘Sprouties!’ This accomplishment would not be possible without their passion, teamwork and perserverance,” she said.
Getting the employees charged up for the opening was Assistant Grocery Manager Adam Whitney, who led the team for a series of cheers that he wrote ahead of the opening.
“It’s an exciting day for Sprouts in Carson City! We welcome everyone to our store. We’re happy to be here for the people of Carson and happy to have this kind of turnout,” he said.
Carson City Mayor Lori Bagwell said she is thrilled to welcome the store to the capital city.
“It is so exciting for Carson City to have a full time farmers market that it can call its own,” said Bagwell. “I’m excited for the 85 employees who work in a happy environment, you can see and hear the excitement from employees and all the residents coming in today.”
What was also warming for Bagwell was seeing the huge overhead sign in the store that reads “Thank you Carson City.”
“I think that is pretty special. It tells me that the store recognizes that it needs the residents of the community for its success and then we as the residents in the city recognize we need good store partners,” said Bagwell.
Arriving among the first in at around 4 a.m. was Shayla Dixon and her sister.
“My sister told me they have really good, fresh and healthy food,” said Dixon. “We’ve been waiting for it to open and so when she said ‘get up and come with me’ I was ready to go.”
Also among the first in line early Friday morning, just after 4 a.m. were Elena Casas, 11, Hadassa Valladares, 12 and their mother Jimi Casas and their grandmother.
“It is exciting to be at the new store and to watch it open,” said Jimi Casas. “We wanted the girls to experience this — the opening — just for them to come and experience and remember this.”
Opening day customers Lora and Jef Templeton of Carson City said they looked forward to the opening as they are “foodies” who always try new food places in town when they open.
“It’s exciting. Everything about it, from waiting in line, the DJ out front was great and the line of employees welcoming you — it’s like going on a cruise ship. It’s a good feeling to start off with,” she said.
Customer Matt Fematt of Carson City said he came for the opening and was surprised there was a large line to get inside.
“It’s big and it’s nice in here, all the people. It’s real nice. I’m going to continue to come back here,” he said.
Store management notes Sprouts is invested in serving the communities where it operates, working with with local Nevada farmers, such as Peri & Sons Farm, to source local produce.
Through Sprouts’ Food Rescue program this store will donate groceries that are no longer fit for sale but remain perfectly edible and nutrient rich to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.
Sprouts is open daily from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. For more information visit sprouts.com/carsoncity.
