Construction begins on Catalina to bring grocery store, coffeehouse
by Jordyn Grooters
October 22, 2007

Construction for Peet's Coffee and Tea and Fresh and Easy   Neighborhood Market has begun near campus. Photo by Steve Paine

When sophomore Brandon Walsh said he thought it would “be really cool if there was a grocery store and maybe a coffee shop,” built within walking distance of the campus, he had no idea that his wish would come true in the near future.

Construction has begun for a Peet’s Coffee and Tea and the Fresh and Easy Neighborhood Market grocery store at the intersection between Catalina and Cañon Street, in the lot that formerly housed Albertson’s.

“That makes me so happy!” said Walsh, after hearing the news. “To just have a grocery store, some place where I could buy some vegetables or something, not just the PBC where I can get greasy food…That makes my day, and I really had no clue.”

Peet’s Coffee and Tea offers an array of coffee, teas, iced and blended drinks. 

The Fresh and Easy Neighborhood Market chain will launch on Nov. 8, with stores mostly along the Southern California coast. The grocery stores average about 10,000 square feet and plan to employ 20 to 30 people per market. In addition to basic groceries and produce, they will offer freshly prepared meals daily.

Students without cars on campus find it difficult to conveniently get the food they want or even find a good hang-out spot within walking distance. The Living Room Coffeehouse on Rosecrans is more than a mile from campus, and Newport Street in Ocean Beach, with its many shops and eateries, is more than two miles away. Especially after sunset, leaving campus becomes inconvenient. 

“The most difficult part of not having a car on campus is not being able to go and get groceries,” said freshman Nicole Rhodes.

Of the incoming grocery store and coffeehouse, she said, “I think it’s a great idea, a great asset to the community, and Point Loma students will benefit if they take the opportunity to go there.” 

Even those with their own transportation said they will appreciate the proximity of these two stores. 

“People with cars will definitely take advantage of a grocery store within walking distance,” said sophomore Erin Wright. “My brother loved it when Albertson’s was right there.” 

Megan Smith, who also owns her own vehicle, agrees. Saving time, gas and money are always priorities. 

“If I’m ever in a pinch and I need to run down to get some brain food, that will be so helpful,” she said. “This neighborhood is a beautiful, safe area, and I can really see it helping the community.”