Celebrating the American dream come true

Family and community – these two themes resonated throughout the grand opening of Goodwin’s Organic Foods Market in Redlands last Saturday, Feb. 12.

“I’m a fourth-generation grocer,” Mike Johnstone, vice president of Goodwin’s & Sons, Inc., told the crowd.

He reviewed the history of Goodwin’s, dating back to George Goodwin Sr., who opened his grocery store in Crestline in 1946.

“This is our fourth store,” Johnstone said. “We are bringing the freshest and quality foods in a convenient environment.” He thanked a long list of folks, from his uncle, David Goodwin, to his son, Mason, who cut the ribbon.

“I’m very grateful to the third generation,” Johnstone noted. “To Uncle David for believing in us. It’s hard to invest in something new.” And he thanked God for blessing his family through four generations.

Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh was emotional as she stressed the importance of family and expressed her amazement at the four generations of Goodwins who have made the grocery business so successful.

“I am a first-generation American,” the senator said. “You are truly the American dream come true. I am so impressed with your four generations.”

Senator Ochoa Bogh added that Goodwin’s Organic Foods is “a vision of collaborative effort. It takes the efforts of leaders and residents to create this community.”

Leaders from the Redlands community were there to congratulate the Goodwins. Mayor Paul Barich said that he is “so happy to have a new business in Redlands.” And Evan Sanford, executive director of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce, noted that “this grand opening sets the bar for future ones.”
Johnstone had also extended his thanks to developer Stephen Reeder, the CEO of The UCR Group, who built The Crossings, where the store is located.

“We are so proud to be part of the community of Redlands,” Reeder said. “There are 650 residents who will be served by this market.” Reeder added that they have plans to build two more apartment complexes across the street.

When the time came for the ribbon cutting, it was 11-year-old Mason Johnstone who did the honors. He had asked to say a few words and told everyone that he is “thankful for what my family has done.”
With the formalities at an end, the crowd visited the booths set up by vendors, whose products are for sale in the market, listened to some music, toured the market and sampled some of the food available.

Several types of sandwiches were available to sample, with the turkey getting rave reviews. There was also pizza, hot dogs and ribeye steak. On the opposite end of the market, folks were tasting a couple of different juices and smoothies.

Goodwin’s Organic Foods Market, located at 26000 W. Lugonia Avenue in Redlands, is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The outdoor walk-up window opens at 6 a.m.