For years, San Diego's Whole Foods Market locations have been concentrated along the coast and central areas, leaving inland communities without easy access to the popular organic grocery store.

That landscape is about to change.

Whole Foods Market has announced plans to open a new store in Carmel Mountain Ranch, marking the first inland location in San Diego County.

The store will be situated at 11160 Rancho Carmel Drive, occupying the space formerly held by Best Buy, which closed its doors in February as part of a broader retail strategy shift.

This location is part of the Courtyard at Carmel Mountain Ranch shopping center, conveniently located just east of Interstate 15 and north of Carmel Mountain Road.

While the exact opening date has yet to be announced, the arrival of Whole Foods Market is eagerly anticipated by local residents seeking more organic grocery options.

Once open, this store will become the fourth Whole Foods Market in San Diego County, joining existing locations in La Jolla, Hillcrest, and Del Mar.

Interestingly, the new Carmel Mountain Ranch store will be approximately 2.5 miles from the recently closed Amazon Fresh store in Poway, which shuttered in March after just over a year in operation.

The former Best Buy space spans 37,400 square feet, according to a 2024 leasing brochure for the shopping center.

In comparison, the Amazon Fresh store was slightly larger at around 44,500 square feet.

Whole Foods Market has not yet disclosed specific plans for renovating the space or the features that will be included in the new store.

However, the company is known for tailoring its stores to the local community, often incorporating regional products and design elements that reflect the area's character.

As of now, the company's careers page lists openings for the La Jolla and Del Mar stores, but positions for the Carmel Mountain Ranch location have not yet been posted.

Residents are encouraged to stay tuned for further announcements regarding job opportunities and the store's grand opening.

The expansion into Carmel Mountain Ranch signifies Whole Foods Market's commitment to serving a broader segment of the San Diego community, bringing its selection of organic and natural products to more neighborhoods across the county.