A new Whole Foods Market opened in Oxnard last week at The Collection, a shopping destination anchored by Target, a 16-screen movie theater, and (coming soon) H&M. Everything is so recent there that the complex practically sparkles with its shiny fresh-out-of-the-package newness. The new Whole Foods fits right in.

But unlike those other stores, which could be dropped down in Anywhere, USA, this location of Whole Foods incorporates elements into its design that are uniquely Oxnard. Window coverings and backdrops are made of sailcloth. Signs are adorned with lines and trim from sailboats. A beautiful beach-themed mural covers the back of the store.

And the bar is an Airstream trailer.

English with marketing director Ashley

I spoke with Deborah English, the lead designer of our region’s Whole Foods Markets, who shared that every time a new store opens, the design begins with learning about local culture. In Oxnard, the team discovered that the town has long been a way station for people traveling to the beach, to points north, or to Ojai. It’s where you stop for gas and to pick up snacks and groceries. Or, it’s where you visit the beach and go camping.

In fact, the sign over the bar, is shaped like the old school highway signs welcoming travelers to points of interest. The Airstream trailer was the design team’s one big nod to the camping and surf culture of the area. English told me that this specific trailer was found on Craig’s List! It has been lovingly restored and repurposed into this:

Bar Rincon: [named after a popular local surfing spot] A relaxing and casual bar/restaurant with seating for more than 50 people and a rotating selection of more than 24 craft beers on tap, plus wine and an extensive menu featuring local produce and sustainable meats. A daily happy hour will also be available.

While Bar Rincon is the eye-catching beauty queen of Whole Foods Oxnard, the rest of the store holds up her court quite nicely. You’ll find all the features that you love in a Whole Foods – the hot and cold lunch and salad bar, the natural meat section, a sushi bar, an in-store bakery, and the like. But in Oxnard, there’s lots and lots of free parking.

There are culinary choices unique to Oxnard, too: cheeses and charcuterie meats that come from local makers, beer from local brewers like Telegraph and Figueroa Mountain Brewery, and fresh fish from local Ventura harbor fishermen!

Check out the store’s website for information about events there, and also consider the upcoming free summer events hosted by The Collection. And for a more in-depth first-person reaction to the food and beer and wine tastings from our preview visit, check out my pal Charlene’s blog post.

This post is sponsored by Whole Foods Market, but all opinions, and my crush on the cute brewer of Figueroa Mountain Brewery who poured Hoppy Poppy IPA at Bar Rincon are entirely my own.