Colorado Real Estate Journal -

Sunflower, Sprouts merger complete, rebranding to start

by John Rebchook

The merger of Sunflower Farmers Market and Sprouts Farmers Market was completed in late May.

All of the Sunflower Farmers Market stores in Colorado and other states will be rebranded as Sprouts Farmers Markets.

The conversions will begin in July and occur in phases through the end of the year. The stores will receive new interior and exterior signage, updated fixtures and an expanded merchandise mix.

Sunflower was an independent chain of 37 natural food stores.

The combined companies operate 144 stores with six more scheduled to open this year. The combined stores, which employ about 11,000 people, are projected to have 2012 revenues approaching $2 billion.

The addition of the Sunflower stores expands Sprouts’ geographic footprint to Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Oklahoma and further extends its presence in Colorado, California, Arizona and Texas.

Sprouts will remain headquartered in Phoenix, and Sunflower’s corporate headquarters in Phoenix and Boulder will be consolidated into the Sprouts office.

“Everyone at Sprouts is eager to work with the Sunflower team to build a stronger company,” Shon Boney, CEO of Sprouts, said in a statement. “In joining forces, we will create a company that is not only bigger, but better – and continue to provide our signature shopping experience with a strong commitment to value and natural products. The customers and employees of both stores have a lot to look forward to as we launch this great adventure.”

Broadmoor preps for $60 million renovation

The Broadmoor is readying for a $60 million, multiphased renovation over the next two years designed to elevate the overall guest experience.

“After many months of planning, we are extremely pleased to embark on this multifaceted renovation. The designs perfectly complement The Broadmoor’s classic ambiance, refinement and original grandeur,” said Steve Bartolin, president, The Broadmoor.

Work includes the expansion and redesign of guest rooms and suites and extensive updates to food and beverage outlets, and meetings, events and activity facilities.

The initial phase of renovations was completed last month and included the reopening of the Southlake building guest rooms and suites and a new look for the 6,300-square-foot Cheyenne Lodge, a meeting and event facility.

Additional work includes the rebuilding of the Tavern’s Garden Room; expansion of the Golden Bee restaurant; addition of an activity center, which will feature bowling lanes, billiards, board games, food and beverages, and more; redesign and expansion of the West Lobby Bar; opening of a new Italian restaurant; and expansion of rooms, baths and lobbies at Broadmoor West.

The announced improvements are slated for completion by April 2014.