By CHRISTIAN MONTERROSA | Reporter
Rumors turned into reality last Friday, March 8, after Tony Antoci, owner of Erewhon Markets, filed paperwork with the California Secretary of State for his latest expansion “Nowhere Palisades LLC”—all but confirming whispers that Vintage Grocers will be taken over six months after its grand opening.
The filing follows the company’s common practice of establishing LLCs under the name “Nowhere” followed by the city where Erewhon Markets are opened shortly after, with “Nowhere Silver Lake” being the most recent.
But both Vintage Grocers and Erewhon Market do not appear ready to announce the decision, keeping employees in the dark and declining multiple requests for comment.
Several employees said they have not yet been notified of a change and had only heard rumors, as some expect they will have to reapply for their jobs.
Tom Wong, chief financial officer for Erewhon Markets, did not deny the arrival of the popular organic market to the Palisades, and deferred all questions to Marketing Director Joyce De Brevannes, who declined to comment.
A spokesperson for Vintage Grocers told the Palisadian-Post that a joint statement between the two companies was in the works, but as the Post went to print Tuesday evening, was not ready to be released yet.
Erewhon currently operates four locations across Southern California: Santa Monica, Calabasas, Venice and Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles.
“We strive to sell only the purest, ethically and sustainably produced foods, wellness and beauty products, and household items,” the Erewhon website states.
Founded in 1968, Erewhon was purchased by Tony and Josephine Antoci in 2011. According to the website, the stores offer brands and items that are free of artificial preservatives, synthetic pesticides, ripening agents, growth hormones and other additives.
Questions remain as to the reason why Vintage Grocers, owned by Walmart heiress Paige Laurie, is closing, and if Erewhon will be taking over the two other Vintage Grocers locations in Westlake Village and Malibu.
Several attempts over the past week to reach Daniel Barth, executive director of Vintage Grocers, went unanswered.
For updates on this story, visit palipost.com.
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