Lazy Acres Natural Market, the Southern California grocer known for its organic produce, sustainable practices, and community focus, is opening its first Westside location in Mar Vista. The new store will take over the longtime Whole Foods site at 11666 National Boulevard, a neighborhood fixture for decades that closed on Monday. Construction is expected to begin in January, with an opening planned for fall 2026 to coincide with Lazy Acres’ 35th anniversary.

As we reported last week, the Whole Foods closure left some employees in limbo, with some offered transfers to distant stores and others uncertain about their next steps. For local shoppers, the loss marked the end of an era. Lazy Acres’ arrival at the same corner, at National and Barrington, offers a chance to restore what has long been a gathering place for Westside residents while introducing a more explicitly local and sustainability-oriented approach.

“We are excited to become a part of what makes the Mar Vista community so special,” said Joe Ragusa, Vice President of Merchandising for Lazy Acres. “Our community roots run deep at Lazy Acres, and we are eager to share more about the store programs and features soon. It’s going to be delicious, nourishing, and fun.” Ragusa, a Los Angeles native, said the Westside expansion feels like coming home.

The Mar Vista location will be Lazy Acres’ seventh in Southern California. The company opened a store in Los Feliz in 2023, which quickly became known for its cooking workshops, wellness products, and support for neighborhood nonprofits. Founded in Santa Barbara in 1991, Lazy Acres has built its reputation around natural wellness, seasonal and organic produce, and community education. A member of 1% for the Planet, the company emphasizes mindful sourcing, health, and environmental stewardship.

Lazy Acres says updates on the Mar Vista store’s progress, programs, and hiring will be shared on its website and Instagram at @lazyacresmarket.