When customers walk into a Barons Market, they’re immediately enveloped by more than just the sights of shelves and goods. They’re greeted with beautiful colors, scents, vibrant energy, and most importantly, what the team fondly calls a full-on "assault of the senses in the best way possible.”
The San Diego-based, family-run grocery chain, with nine locations and a tenth on the way in the beachside town of Carlsbad, has long been known for its fresh, affordable, and carefully curated perimeter selections. But there’s one feature that keeps drawing customers back, day after day, sometimes even three times a day: freshly squeezed orange juice, made right in front of them.
“We probably introduced them into the stores, I don’t know, maybe eight or nine years ago… and it was an immediate hit,” said a spokesperson from Barons. “It’s become a go-to feature. People will come into the store just for the orange juice.”
"They’re greeted with beautiful colors, scents, vibrant energy, and most importantly, what the team fondly calls a full-on "assault of the senses in the best way possible.”
At the heart of this daily ritual are CITROCASA’s machines from Citrus America – sleek, commercial citrus juicers that sit front and center in every Barons store. The machines allow customers to squeeze their own juice using locally grown Valencia oranges, sourced from nearby Valley Center. Whether it’s the thrill of filling one’s own bottle or the unmistakable aroma of fresh citrus, it’s an experience that delights all five senses…and maybe even a sixth.
“We say Barons creates a sixth sense,” Barons’ representative said. “A sense of belonging – for both our employees and our customers.”
Baron’s knows how to make freshly squeezed orange juice and they know this makes their customers happy. They also know that some customers want to make their own freshly squeezed juice. In addition to pre-filled bottles chilled in ice next to the machines each morning, Barons offers customers the ability to make their own juice – and they love it!
“The orange juice machines are literally the perfect way to engage the senses. People can see the oranges, touch the machines, smell the juice, and taste it. We even have sample cups at every station. Sometimes people come just to sip.”
They call the freshly squeezed orange juice ‘not just a staple, but a superstar.’
The machines aren’t just popular with adults. They’ve become a phenomenon with local kids, too – thanks in part to Barons' inventive school and community outreach programs.
“We created these children’s store tours for local schools, YMCAs, Girl Scouts – any community group,” Barons explained. “Kids tour the store, scream with excitement watching boxes get crushed in the baler, jump into the freezer, and, of course, squeeze their own orange juice.”
The result? Fan mail. Dozens of thank-you letters from young students raving about their OJ-squeezing adventures, and proud parents showing up at the stores after hearing about it.
“In one recent tour, a parent told us their kids had just gotten back from Disneyland and said ‘Barons was better than Disneyland,’” primarily because of the juice machines.
For Barons, the machine isn’t just a novelty – it’s a core part of their identity and a competitive edge in an industry dominated by big-box chains and online grocery services.
“In one recent tour, a parent told us their kids had just gotten back from Disneyland and said ‘Barons was better than Disneyland,’” primarily because of the juice machines.
“As an independent retailer, we have to make our in-store experience unforgettable. The big guys are investing in online. We’re investing in connection. In-store shopping is never going away.”
Each Barons location is designed around a 10-minute grab-and-go shopping experience. Between hot bars, salad bars, and carefully curated fresh produce, Citrus America’s CITROCASA commercial citrus juicers serve as both a literal and symbolic centerpiece – a fresh, energizing moment that kicks off the customer journey.
“We say we’re competing with fast food, not other grocery stores,” they added. “People want to eat well, quickly, and affordably. And the orange juice machines deliver on all of that.”
“Each Barons location is designed around a 10-minute grab-and-go shopping experience."
Behind the scenes, the partnership with Citrus America has been equally refreshing.
“It’s been great,” said the Barons team. “We were trained properly on how to clean and maintain the machines, and every time we’ve needed a part or a backup machine, they’ve been right there. They’ve definitely been a partner. Citrus America has been great.”
The Barons team says their CITROCASA commercial citrus juicers from Citrus America are just as important as the chain’s rotisserie chicken machines.
Founded in 1993 by a group of brothers seeking gourmet and organic food at reasonable prices, Barons has grown steadily while keeping its family values intact. Today, the family’s second generation helps run operations while keeping the culture rooted in joy, honesty, and purpose.
“Happy employees create happy customers,” they said. “And if our people aren’t happy, they won’t bring that energy into the stores. So we focus on treating people like human beings. Mistakes happen. We talk through them, learn, and move forward.”
That same philosophy extends to customers, who are treated less like shoppers and more like neighbors.
“We always say: if this isn’t your cup of tea – whether that’s for our employees or our customers – we want you to find what lights you up. But more often than not, what lights people up is walking into Barons, smelling fresh oranges, and making their own juice. It’s simple, but it works.”
With the upcoming opening of their Carlsbad location, that magic – and that juice – is only continuing to spread.
