A new Watsonville businesses celebrated a milestone on Friday, and another is planning its own. Staff of Life grocery store is planning to ring in its five-year anniversary, and Angry Chickz restaurant opened its doors for the first time.
Alejandro Rodriguez and his mother used to make the drive to San Jose and Salinas to the Angry Chickz restaurants in those cities.
Now, the Watsonville residents have a location in Watsonville at 975 Main St., Suite 5, the same plaza as Starbucks and Habit Burger.
The business is known for its spicy chicken tenders and sandwiches, among other things.
Arriving at 11pm on Thursday night, the pair became the first in a line of more than 100 people who wanted to take part in free giveaways, and to get some of the business’s macaroni and cheese.
“The food is really good,” Rodriguez said after leaving with free shirts and a bag of food. “We really like it.”
Manager Jose Martinez attributed the success of opening day to a “social media frenzy” that filled the parking lot.
“The food’s delicious,” he said. “These people wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t.”
Staff of Life Natural Foods will celebrate the fifth anniversary of its Watsonville location with a three-day community event featuring free tastings, in-store demonstrations, special promotions and raffle prizes March 27–29.
The weekend celebration will highlight the store’s offerings with complimentary wine and beer tastings, food samples from trusted brands, and popular in-house favorites available throughout the event at 906 E Lake Ave., in the East Lake Village Shopping Center.
“We’re incredibly proud to be part of the Watsonville community these past five years,” said Gary Bascou, founder and co-owner of Staff of Life Natural Foods. “This weekend is about celebrating with our customers and sharing great food, introducing products we love and creating a fun, welcoming experience for everyone who walks through our doors.”
Customers are also encouraged to sign up for the Staff of Life email newsletter at staffoflifemarket.com to receive an anniversary discount coupon delivered directly to their inbox.
Founded in 1969, Staff of Life Natural Foods is a locally and family-owned full service natural foods market serving Santa Cruz County both in Santa Cruz and Watsonville.
Event highlights include:
Friday, March 27
- Free wine and beer tasting from noon to 4pm
- Cheeseburgers available for purchase from 11am. to 6:30pm
- Hand-dipped fish and chips, $1 off, from 11am to 6:30pm
- Smart Chicken demo and tasting from 2 to 5pm
- Sunridge Farms samples from 1 to 4pm
- Food demos throughout the store
- 10% off bulk foods and beauty
Saturday, March 28
- Hot and salad bar special, $2 off per pound
- Marianne’s Ice Cream sale, single $3, double $5
- Free wine and beer tasting from 2 to 4pm
- Food demos throughout the store
- 10% off bulk foods and beauty
Sunday, March 29
- Hot and salad bar special, $2 off per pound
- Marianne’s Ice Cream sale, single $3, double $5
- Free wine and beer tasting from 2 to 4pm
- Food demos throughout the store
- 10% off bulk foods and beauty
The events are free and open to the public.
