Black Friday in August

Henry’s Market Elk Grove Grand Opening Draws Huge Crowd

In a scene more often witnessed for a “Black Friday” sale, a huge crowd of people gathered this morning for the grand opening of the Henry’s Market on Laguna Boulevard in Elk Grove.

Drawn by the prospect of receiving a free bag of groceries for the first 200 people, several hundred more braved cool winds to visit the grocery store chains first Northern California store. Based in San Diego, Henry’s emphasizes locally grown and organic produce is said to employee 100 people at the new store.

One person toward the front of the line said he came at 5 a.m. to get his bag of pre-selected free groceries. “Some others were here at three o’clock,” the man cheerfully said.

Warming up the crowd for the 8:00 a.m. opening was Henry’s spokesperson and nutritionist Janet Little who welcomed the crowd and emphasized the stores healthy choice of groceries. Store director Scott Taylor took the opportunity to thank the City of Elk Grove for their help in getting the store of the ground.

“They have been wonderful to work with,” he said.

Among the local dignitaries on hand were Elk Grove Council Member Gary Davis and Cosumnes Community Service District (CCSC) Director Elaine Wright.

Davis welcomed the store and noted the economic benefit shoppers and the store will bestow on the city. “Your sales tax dollars get back to the community,” he said.

Davis, who was mistakenly introduced as Gray Davis, quickly quipped “I hope I last a little longer than that guy did.”

Wright also accepted a $5,000 donation made by Henry’s to the CCSD.

“I am so excited about receiving this $5,000 for the district,” Wright said. “This will go a long way towards promoting healthy lifestyles.”

More Pictures below...