Valrico Sprouts New Grocery Store Choice

VALRICO, FL — The much-anticipated Sprouts Farmers Market is now open for business in Valrico.

The Arizona-based grocery chain launched its newest store at 3315 Lithia-Pinecrest Road Wednesday, Feb. 21. Shoppers lined up for the 7 a.m. opening, anxious to check out the new 30,000-square-foot store and take advantage of the grand opening specials, giveaways and free food samples.

For Valrico residents, the store’s opening not only offers an additional grocery shopping choice, it signifies the revival of a blighted shopping center.

The Valrico Center Shoppes at the northeast corner of the busy intersection of Bloomingdale Avenue and Lithia-Pinecrest Road has been on a downward spiral since its anchor, Albertsons, closed in 2012, 15 years after it opened at that location.

The loss of Albertsons came three years after Sweetbay Supermarket barricaded the doors of its store at 1101 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico. That building is still empty.

In the five years after Albertsons closed and the anchor slot sat empty, other businesses in the Valrico Center Shoppes, owned by Weg Valrico LLC, have struggled.

Now those business owners are hoping the arrival of Sprouts will breathe new life into the shopping center.

Sprouts has built its reputation on its natural meats, fresh produce and bins of bulk foods.

"Sprouts’ ‘Healthy Living for Less’ approach to grocery shopping means potential team members should share a passion for healthy eating and the fresh, natural and organic products offered throughout the store," said the company in a press release.

Among those anxious to check out the new store was resident Brenda Snider Bailey

"Loved it," she said. "I thought prices were comparable. The store is laid out well; the staff is super friendly; it’s clean and has a great selection. I’m so glad they are here."

Debbie Minnick had a similar take on the new store.

"I thought the prices were good, especially on organic produce," Minnick said. "The store was immaculate and the staff was friendly and helpful.

Barbara Guadiana Roberto concurred.

“I used to shop in the one on Dale Mabry,” she said. “It’s so nice to have them in our neighborhood. I have never been disappointed. The vegetables, fruits and meats are always very good and they do a daily manager’s special in the meat department.”

The store's only been open three days and Stephanie Ellis has already been there twice.

"Prices are great, products are great and the staff has been awesome," she said. "Such a great addition to the area."

But not all the customers were enamored with the store.

Marahya Dickens braved the opening-day crowds and found that, while Sprouts was true to its word regarding its fresh produce, the ready-to-prepare meals left something to be desired.

"I got the chicken meal and the bag was torn before I got out of the store," she said. "Publix is still my store."

Valrico resident Mary Collister also was a bit disappointed.

“It seemed smaller than the store on Dale Mabry,” she said. And, while Sprouts offered some great deals, Collister felt that the choices were “very limited.”

Nevertheless, the new store is within bicycling distance of her home and it does offer an enticing array of weekly fresh produce specials.

"I’m eating whole, plant-based foods now so the fresh food is important to me," she said.

"It's expensive and super busy," added Cali Hyyppa. "But everyone was very friendly."

The new Sprouts is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Images via Patch