Maddy’s Market Scales Back, Changes Focus

Maddy’s Market has gone through many changes since first opening its doors in 2010 and is now in the midst of its latest transformation–scaling down it’s operation with an emphasis on the deli department.

“We’re keeping similar products but on a smaller scale,” said Michael Martinez, store manager. “We’re reducing our store footprint. This is a way for us to keep going.”

The once 16,000-square-foot store specializing in natural food products and other grocery items was physically cut in half earlier this week in an effort to scale back operations and save money, a response to the fact that 75 percent of sales stem from food service, said Martinez

“People are really happy that we’re still afloat and we’re happy to be here for our lunch crowd, because that’s where our main focus is,” he said.

Produce and meat departments have been temporarily removed during the ongoing renovation, which had the store closing at 1:30 p.m. earlier this week. However, hours are back to normal (8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays) and it’s business as usual at the now 8,000-square foot location.  

“The juice bar, pizza and deli are going to be highlighted and built up a little more,” said Martinez. “We will replenish and reorder but shift toward being a specialty market.”

Part of that shift includes a renewed focus on organic items, including a “100 percent” organic juice bar, produce department, prepackaged meat items and other staples. Martinez said he plans to go on a buying spree of niche products at the Winter Fancy Food Show on January 20.

Construction on the wall that has cut the store in half is expected to be completed within a month. The store’s workforce has also been cut in half to about 22 employees, but none of the cuts have affected the thriving lunchtime rush, said Nikkolas Lee, an employee of one year who serves up pizza slices.

“Business has kept up,” he said. “People have been coming in even though there’s construction.”

Gone is Maddy’s beloved sushi. “It was nice while it lasted,” said one customer, prompting Martinez to inform her of the new Village Fish Market that recently opened in the same shopping plaza near Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Co.

“The change doesn’t affect me because I usually go to get food just for lunch. I liked it better when it was bigger, but they probably didn’t make enough money and rent is so high,” said Sara Afshar, a Calabasas resident. 

At least one Maddy’s customer was happy with the change.

“I like it better, it seems cozier,” said Carol Cleary, a Simi Valley resident who works down the street from Maddy’s. “I’ve been coming here for about two months now. There’s nothing like this in Simi.”

“We’re going to give it all to stay here for the community. We know a lot of people enjoy this store," said Martinez. "We're here; we're here to stay.”

Maddy’s Market is located at 26767 Agoura Road. Stay posted on Maddy’s happenings by calling them at 818-878-9704 or visiting their web site and facebook page.