A report by Dana Eastland: Back in March, we shared the news that the Vardakastanis family, who owns Noriega Produce in the Sunset and Haight Street Market, would be opening a new grocery store in the Mission, called GUS’S COMMUNITY MARKET. I had a chance to swing by recently and take a look at their progress and hear about their plans for the space. Dimitri and Bobby Vardakastanis are partners in the market—and Gus’s sons—and they showed me around the new space, which is on the ground floor of a multi-unit building. It’s currently slated to open Wednesday November 11th.
The entrance of the market features a small café, where shoppers (and anyone else) can stop for a cup of coffee, tea, or fresh juice. The space will have plenty of outlets for those wanting to get some work done, and they hope to add some outdoor seating, as well.
When you enter the store from the café, the first thing you see is the large produce section, which the brothers call “the heart of the store.” Their family’s business has always been focused on produce, and the new, larger space will give them the chance to offer new items, depending on the season. They’ve also got a large butcher counter, with plenty of room for their signature housemade sausages, as well as meat from local producers including Marin Sun Farms and Llano Seco Rancho. A locker for dry-aging meat has also been installed, so you’ll be able to purchase aged steaks too. There is an extensive selection of meats available for special order—almost anything can be ordered and on-site in a day or two.
There is also a large commissary kitchen, which will stock their large prepared food section. There is a large salad bar and hot bar area, along with plenty of refrigerator space for other prepared items to take home. The deli will offer sandwiches, salads, and sides, as well as a live sushi preparation counter, which the brothers say has been very popular at their other locations. As for groceries, there is a large portion of the store set aside for bulk items, as well as rows of dry goods and other groceries. They will offer plenty of staples, as well as local products and harder-to-find gourmet items.
Gus’s Community Market is scheduled to open Wednesday November 11th, and hours will be daily 7am-10pm. There is limited parking available, as well as bicycle parking and outdoor seating. 2111 Harrison St. at 17th St., 415-431-9300.
The exterior of Gus’s Community Market. Photo: Dana Eastland. © tablehopper.com.
