A fourth Barons Market opens Thursday in San Diego County when the gourmet grocery with an olive oil and vinegar tasting bar comes to North Park.
Barons managers will join District 3 Councilman Chris Ward and others for a ribbon cutting at 7:45 a.m. at the former Fresh & Easy outlet at 3231 E. University Ave.
”The market’s selection of all-natural food, craft beer and locally grown produce seamlessly aligns with the values of the community,” said a Barons statement, which quoted Barons Vice President of Marketing Rachel Shemirani as saying: “This location feels like coming home.”
Based in Point Loma, where the chain has a store, Barons also has locations in Alpine and Rancho Bernardo — among seven in Southern California.
The store will unveil three murals by five local artists — two indoors and one outdoors.
The North Park store also features a hot soup bar, salad bar and antipasto bar — along with a section boasting more than 400 microbrews. Store hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Gourmet Retailer noted the olive oil and vinegar bars at its first six locations.
“Ten exotic olive oils and 14 vinegars fill shiny silver vats at each store’s tasting station accompanied by bread for dipping,” the trade journal said in June. “Customers can expect to find exceptional flavors, including citrus habanero olive oil and honey ginger white balsamic vinegar along with classic balsamic and high-quality extra virgin olive oil. When a shopper discovers his favorite, 12-ounce bottles are ready to take home for $9.99.”