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 owners the González family first settled after immigrating to the U.S.
“For our family, La Mirada will always hold a special place in our hearts,” said Oscar González, co-president of the 44-store Southern California chain. “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 La Mirada artist Alysia Ponce.
The artwork chronicles the González family’s journey from their roots in Jalostotitlán, Jalisco, Mexico, 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, Foster Road and Gardenhill elementary schools, 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 District 1 Council Member John Lewis.
“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, which has 244 employees, 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.
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 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 slow roasted in traditional cazos to develop flavor and texture.
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.
The Cocina offers grab-and-go prepared Mexican dishes, including empanadas, chile rellenos, various guisados, rice and beans.
Expanding Southern California footprint
Established in 1980 and headquartered in Anaheim, Northgate González Market caters primarily to Latino communities in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego counties.
[RELATED: Northgate González Market Marks Milestone With New Store in Lynwood, CA]
Northgate González Market Grand Opening, La Mirada, CA, Jan. 14
