Northgate González Market opened a 29,800-square-foot store Jan. 14 at 12721 Valley View Blvd. in La Mirada, California, marking a homecoming to the community where the González family first settled after immigrating to the U.S.
The opening carries personal significance for the family behind the 44-store Southern California chain. La Mirada was the first city the González family called home in America, making the new location a full-circle moment decades after their arrival.
“For our family, La Mirada will always hold a special place in our hearts,” said Northgate Market Co-President Oscar González. “It was our first home, and opening a store here is a proud moment for our family.”
Custom mural chronicles family journey
The store features a custom mural titled “From Our Roots to Home” painted by local La Mirada artist Alysia Ponce. The artwork visually chronicles the González family’s journey from their roots in Jalostotitlán, Jalisco, to their reunion and new beginnings in La Mirada, depicting themes of faith, hard work and tradition.
The company celebrated the opening with a reception for local dignitaries and announced donations exceeding $20,000 to area schools. Recipients include Los Altos Elementary, Foster Road Elementary, Gardenhill Elementary, Hutchinson Middle School, La Mirada High School and St. Paul of the Cross School.
“La Mirada is proud to welcome Northgate Market and the González family’s investment into our city, the very community where they started many years ago,” said La Mirada Council Member John Lewis from District 1.
“Northgate Market is not only a great place to shop but also a community partner as they invest in local schools and charities, create new jobs in the city and offer fresh, authentic groceries and prepared meals to our residents. This new Northgate Market represents a historic win-win for everyone in the city of La Mirada.”
Traditional offerings drive store format
The location employs 244 associates and features the grocer’s signature departments built around authentic Mexican food preparation. The Tortillería La González uses traditional stone-grinding techniques with volcanic stone from Puebla to process corn sourced from Mexico throughout the day, producing fresh tortillas, chips, tostadas and masa. Seasonal varieties include corn, pineapple and pumpkin options.
The Pastelería La González bakes sweet breads daily, including pan dulce, tres leches cake and bolillos made from scratch using traditional Mexican recipes. The Carnicería department focuses on high-quality meats prepared for authentic Mexican dishes, positioning Northgate as “Los Meros Meros de la Carne Asada” – the true masters of carne asada – since 1980.
Carnitas Don Miguel serves the founder Don Miguel González Jiménez’s family recipe inspired by Michoacán-style preparation. Each batch is slowly roasted in traditional cazos to develop flavor and texture, a process the company has maintained since 1980.
The store stocks one of the largest fresh and dried chile and spice sections in the market, featuring varieties from chile de arbol and guajillo to serrano and jalapeño peppers, along with Rancho González branded products. A Cocina department offers grab-and-go prepared Mexican dishes including empanadas, chile rellenos, various guisados, rice and beans.
Expanding Southern California footprint
Northgate González Market operates 44 high-volume stores across Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego counties. The family-owned company, established in 1980 and headquartered in Anaheim, caters primarily to Latino communities with authentic Mexican offerings and fresh prepared foods.
The La Mirada opening expands the grocer’s presence in a region where it has built its reputation over more than four decades serving multiple generations of customers through community giving and quality products.
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