Revitalizing Community: The Impact Of Mercado González In Costa Mesa

In 2018, the Northgate González supermarket chain announced plans to close its downtown Santa Ana store, a decision that stirred emotions among many Mexican American families in Orange County. This location held a special place in the hearts of locals, representing not just a grocery store but a community hub. While the decision to develop apartments and retail space was met with protests and a petition from nearly 400 residents, the store was ultimately demolished in 2023, leading to concerns about food access and community identity.

The González family pledged to replace the lost market with new Northgate locations, and they succeeded by opening two new markets in Orange County since 2022. This included a large-format store on Westminster Avenue in Santa Ana and the highly anticipated Mercado González in Costa Mesa. The 70,000-square-foot market has quickly become a destination, showcasing 20 distinct stalls and the first-ever outpost of the famous Churrería El Moro outside of Mexico.

Mercado González stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of Orange County, reflecting both demographic changes and shifting political sentiments. Joshua González, a third-generation member of the González family and project manager for Mercado González, expressed a desire to create a true mercado experience, one that resonates with the community and offers a taste of home for many.