Island Naturals Market and Deli is gearing up to open its new location next Tuesday in the Kona Commons shopping center in Kailua-Kona.
The new 14,000-square-foot store will offer the same products as its previous location on Kaiwi Street, with an expanded fresh produce department and take-out sushi from a local vendor.
“We will be larger in every department. We will be especially larger in the fresh foods department,” said owner Russell Ruderman. “It is an ongoing thing to offer locally sourced produce, both in the produce department and our kitchen.”
He said at least 50% of Island Naturals’ produce is locally sourced, with additional added-value products made on the Big Island.
“We are so excited for the opening of our new Island Naturals Kona store in Kona Commons. We’ll have ample parking, outdoor dining, and be easy to find. We invite you to enjoy our new larger store, with more products in every department, lots of new fresh food offerings, and a welcoming retail location right on the corner of Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway and Makala Street, in the old Sports Authority building,” he said.
The store will be open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Kupuna (senior) hours will be from 8 to 9 a.m. on weekdays and from 9 to 10 a.m. on weekends.
Ruderman said the the two biggest factors in moving to the new location are better parking and better visibility.
“The last day of business at the old location was Friday, as we move some equipment and finish setting up,” he said. “We have a very good core crew who are coming with us. They are all very excited. We will have a better facility and a fresh start with everything being clean and shiny and well arranged. I am very thankful for our crew.”
Ruderman said the new location is hiring, looking for hardworking individuals to join the Island Naturals team.
Although Island Naturals is currently not allowed to have its hot bar and salad bar, the store still provides deli selections and hot bentos, providing opportunity for cooks and kitchen workers.
Ruderman said his grocery chain is seeing some issues with the supply chain, but not as much as in other industries.
“It is a challenge,” he said. “That said, I feel very fortunate to be in the grocery business where we can continue to operate and continue to be needed. It’s a challenging time right now everywhere you look bu we can continue to operate safely. Things are relatively normal for us.”
Island Naturals was started by Ruderman almost two decades ago. He has been steeped in the health food and organic farm industry since 1975.
Ruderman’s abiding interest in health food products, customer service and organic food issues led him to start Island Naturals in Hilo back in 1998. He opened the Kona location in 2009 and also has a location in Pahoa.
“We are so honored that Kona Commons has welcomed our island-grown, locally owned business in such a prime location,” said Ruderman. “We have served Kona for over 10 years and the Big Island for over 20 years, and we hope for your continued support in our new location. Come visit us in Kona Commons starting Jan. 18.”
“It is a remarkably beautiful store. It is so modern and so up to date and we were very fortunate to work with an awesome designer,” he said. “It’s not just another store.”
With the opening of Island Naturals, the 290,000-square-foot Kona Commons will have lessees in all units of the shopping center on 10 acres off Makala Boulevard.
“As a locally-owned business that has seen an incredible amount of success on the Big Island, Island Naturals is an exciting new addition to the diverse offerings at Kona Commons,” said Todd Hedrick, vice president of leasing and property management for MacNaughton Group. “Our goal is to create an environment that reflects the best of island living. We are pleased to continue to support local businesses at Kona Commons while cultivating an exciting mix of shopping, dining, and lifestyle amenities for residents and tourists.”
