Goosefoot announces name for new grocery at Bayview Center

Get ready for The Goose Community Grocer.

That’s the moniker chosen by the folks at Goosefoot Community Fund for their new store at Bayview Center.

The nonprofit organization has secured the final financing of $1.7 million to develop a 21,000-square-foot grocery store in the former site of Casey’s Red Apple at Bayview. Construction is under way and doors should open by late summer.

In a one-of-a-kind partnership, Goosefoot is collaborating with the Myers Group, a family-owned business, to open The Goose.

“The new market will combine the best of natural foods, local producers, traditional grocery items and great value,” said chief executive officer Chris Hurley.

But what about that name?

“The name is short, sweet, funny and ties the grocery back to its owner,” said Goosefoot board president Gordy Edberg about the name of the new store. “After considering a host of more traditional — and, let’s face it, boring — names, lightheartedness won out in the end. ‘The Goose’ is a name everyone will surely remember.”

Headquartered on South Whidbey, the Myers Group staff will manage the grocery’s day-to-day operations. As the owner, Goosefoot will finance all building equipment and renovations, store inventory and day-to-day operating expenses.

Improvements include safer parking, better lighting, more visible and attractive signage and many energy-efficient improvements.

The new store’s interior will be completely redesigned and equipped. A deli, bakery and café seating area will be included. The produce department will be expanded and enhanced to offer a wide selection of organic and locally-grown items.

As a nonprofit, Goosefoot will reinvest any net proceeds from their grocery venture back into the community.

“We look forward to the day when we show a profit from our commercial ventures, both here at Bayview Center and at the Bayview Cash Store,” Hurley said. “Those eventual profits will be invested in affordable housing and promoting economic development.”