Founded by Maria Herrera in 2024, Origins Grocer launched in North Park with a simple but radical vision: transform grocery shopping into a sustainable, community-driven act. Taking over the former The Mighty Bin space on El Cajon Boulevard, the flagship location built a loyal following by focusing on local, package-free goods, refillable staples, and clean, ingredient-transparent products. Now, the expansion into South Park signals a growing appetite for a better, more intentional way to shop.
Taking over the unit previously occupied by Plum Pottery, the new space will continue Origins' commitment to waste reduction and community engagement, offering a refill station for pantry essentials, spices, teas, and home goods - alongside fresh produce, bulk items, and sustainable brands. Customers are encouraged to bring their own containers, and excess food is composted to minimize waste. In a recent message to SanDiegoVille, the team emphasized that the South Park store will also be "a space for community, events, and workshops," reflecting its broader mission beyond groceries.
Herrera, who was born in the Dominican Republic and previously worked in project management, created Origins Grocer to push back against the impersonal, waste-heavy culture of big-box retail. By focusing on regenerative agriculture, small producers, and environmental responsibility, the store quickly became a neighborhood favorite - and a model for what local food systems can look like.
Origins Grocer is anticipated to open later this year at 2361 30th Street in San Diego's South Park. For more information, visit @originsgrocer on Instagram.
Originally published on July 25, 2025.
