Sprouts Farmers Market Expanding to Pasadena and Highland Park

The former Rite Aid building at 1421 E. Washington Blvd., March 11, 2026 (Photo – Colorado Boulevard Newspaper))

A new grocery option may soon be on the way for residents in Pasadena and Highland Park as Sprouts Farmers Market continues its expansion across Southern California.

By Rena Kurlander

A public notice posted at the former Rite Aid building at 1421 E. Washington Blvd. in Pasadena, at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Hill Avenue, indicates an application for a change in ownership. The applicant listed on the notice is SF Markets LLC, with the business name identified as Sprouts Farmers Market.

If approved, the location would mark the first Sprouts store within Pasadena city limits. The Phoenix-based grocer already operates a nearby store in unincorporated East Pasadena at the corner of Rosemead Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard, but the proposed Washington Boulevard site would represent the company’s first location inside the city of Pasadena.

A public notice posted at the former Rite Aid building (Photo – Colorado Boulevard Newspaper))

The expansion comes as Sprouts continues to grow nationwide. Despite expectations of a challenging year ahead, the retailer has said it plans to open at least 40 new stores in 2026. Company leaders have also highlighted investments in self-distribution and efforts to gather deeper customer insights through the chain’s loyalty program.

Another new location is planned a few miles away in Highland Park. A former 99 Cents Only Store at 6235 York Blvd. is slated to be redeveloped into a Sprouts grocery store. The company has signed a lease for the site, and the new market is expected to open in 2027, though additional details were not provided.

Sprouts, headquartered in Phoenix, focuses on fresh produce, natural foods and specialty grocery items. The planned Pasadena and Highland Park stores are part of the company’s broader strategy to expand its footprint while continuing to invest in operations and customer engagement.

Sprouts in store in unincorporated East Pasadena (Photo – Colorado Boulevard Newspaper))