A Dynamic New Headquarters Reflecting Cultural Heritage
When Vallarta Supermarkets, a premier Latino-owned supermarket chain in California, decided to relocate its headquarters from Sylmar to Santa Clarita, they sought to create more than just an office space—they envisioned a workplace that would embody their vibrant culture and support their ambitious growth plans. Unisource Solutions partnered with this dynamic organization to transform its workspace from a single-floor facility to an impressive three-story headquarters that celebrates its brand heritage while fostering innovation and collaboration.
The Challenge
The transition from Sylmar to Santa Clarita presented multiple challenges that required careful planning and execution:
- Coordinating a complex multi-floor move while maintaining business operations
- Integrating brand identity throughout the space without overwhelming the work environment
- Managing the decommissioning of the existing location while preserving necessary facilities for ongoing training and mechanical operations
- Creating a cohesive design that would support both current needs and future growth
The Solution
Unisource Solutions developed a comprehensive approach that addressed every aspect of the relocation:
Thoughtful Space Planning
- Designed three distinct floors that balance private offices, collaborative areas, and social spaces
- Created branded architectural elements that bring Vallarta's identity to life, including custom-designed arches in their signature orange
- Integrated a mix of modern workstations and private offices that prioritize functionality while complementing the overall design aesthetic
Key Features & Amenities
- Home Kitchen-Inspired Breakroom: A welcoming 1,500-square-foot space featuring large communal tables designed for employee socializing and celebrations
- Test Kitchen: A specialized 965-square-foot area dedicated to developing in-house products and recipes
- Executive Suite: Premium space including a sophisticated lounge for hosting special events and a dedicated tequila tasting room
- Custom Design Elements: Platform by Unisource crafted bespoke architectural features, including distinctive coved arches in the company's signature orange
- Cafeteria: Custom bench seating with comfortable pillowed backs for optimal comfort
Sustainable Transition
- Implemented a comprehensive decommissioning strategy for the Sylmar location
- Reused and repurposed existing furniture where appropriate
- Donated and recycled surplus items to minimize environmental impact
- Maintained necessary furniture and equipment for the continuing training center and mechanical operations
Brand Integration
Our design team carefully curated every element to reflect Vallarta's identity:
- Selected COMs (Customer's Own Material) that perfectly matched their branding
- Incorporated brand colors architecturally rather than overwhelming individual workspaces
- Created a balance between vibrant community areas and focused work environments
Premium Furnishings
The project featured carefully selected pieces from industry-leading manufacturers:
- Workspaces: Bernhardt, Haworth, Global, HAT Contract
- Collaborative Areas: Andreu World, Hightower, Memo, Division Twelve
- Special Spaces: Blu Dot, Sossego, Muuto, Vitra, Nienkamper
- Custom: Platform by Unisource Solutions
Results
The new Santa Clarita headquarters is a testament to Vallarta Supermarkets' commitment to their team members and vision for the future. The company now provides a dynamic, innovative workplace that supports its growing operations, reflecting its cultural heritage through thoughtful design elements. It creates an environment that reinforces its core values of customer service, respect, commitment, integrity, humility, and teamwork while supporting its mission to positively impact 100 communities by 2030.
Through this successful collaboration, Unisource Solutions helped Vallarta Supermarkets create a workplace that not only meets their current needs but positions them for continued growth and success in serving their communities across California.