ABOUT
Sebastopol Project
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The project calls for a Grocery Outlet at the now-closed Rite Aid storefront, located at 218 N. Main Street in downtown Sebastopol
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Will provide an affordable grocery choice for Sebastopol residents, without having to travel to Santa Rosa or further
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Store will be locally operated, part of Grocery Outlet’s independent operator model
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Store will provide a variety of economic benefits, from increased property and sales tax revenue to 50 new jobs
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A draft traffic study was recently completed by reputable local traffic engineers, concluding traffic-related impacts from a new Grocery Outlet store would be less-than-significant
About Grocery Outlet
Grocery Outlet isn’t a typical chain store. Each location is independently operated by a local small business owner — someone who lives nearby, shops locally, and becomes part of the neighborhood. When you walk into a Grocery Outlet, you’re supporting a family-run business, not a distant corporation.
The company itself started as a family business, built around the idea of being resourceful and avoiding waste. That same philosophy still drives how the stores operate today. Grocery Outlet buys surplus and overstock food that would otherwise go unused, and passes those savings directly on to customers. That means affordable groceries without encouraging overproduction or unnecessary consumption.
The shopping experience is intentionally different. You’ll find a wide variety of products — including organic items, local and regional brands, and everyday staples — but the selection changes frequently. This model supports sustainability, reduces food waste, and keeps prices low, especially for families, seniors, and people on fixed incomes.
Just as important, the store is a community member. Independent operators routinely support local schools, nonprofits, and community events, and they care deeply about being good neighbors. The goal isn’t rapid growth or changing the character of the area — it’s to thoughtfully fit into the existing community, provide affordable food access, create local jobs, and contribute in a positive, responsible way.
At its core, Grocery Outlet is about keeping things local, affordable, and sustainable — values that align closely with communities that care about people, place, and long-term well-being.