WinCo Foods Pivots to New Site for Thornton Colorado Debut
WinCo Foods is moving forward with its entry into the Colorado market, recently acquiring a new piece of land in Thornton to house its first state location. The Idaho-based, employee-owned grocer has shifted its strategy, purchasing a site across the street from its originally proposed location to facilitate the development of a massive warehouse-style store.
New Land Acquisition in Thornton
According to Adams County records filed on April 3, 2026, WinCo Foods purchased a parcel of land at the northeast corner of East 164th Avenue and Washington Street for $6.8 million. The seller, Site B LLC, is associated with Denver real estate developer Jordon Perlmutter & Co., the same firm that developed the nearby Larkridge Shopping Center. The Denver Post reports that this acquisition marks a significant pivot in the company’s long-anticipated plans for the area.
A Shift in Strategy
The new site sits directly across from where WinCo had previously planned to build. Initial pre-application plans submitted to the City of Thornton in early 2025 envisioned the store on the southeast corner of the intersection. That original proposal involved a 16.8-acre property owned by Clyde E Webb Family LLC, which would have required rezoning from Business Park to Regional Commercial to accommodate a grocery store of the planned size. The city has since closed that pre-application file as the company pivoted to the current northeast corner location.
Planned Store Specifications
While the location has changed, the vision for the store remains consistent. WinCo plans to construct a warehouse-style facility with the following features:
- Size: Nearly 84,000 square feet.
- Design: A single-story building featuring a neutral bronze exterior.
- Amenities: Approximately 455 parking spaces, professional landscaping, and designated room for future pad-site development.
- Signage: The plan includes two primary signs for the location.
Broader Front Range Expansion
The Thornton project is part of a larger push by WinCo Foods to expand its footprint across the Front Range. In addition to the Thornton site, the company made a $3.6 million land purchase in Firestone last year, according to Weld County records.
About WinCo Foods
WinCo, which stands for “Winning Company,” is known for its discount pricing and bulk item offerings. The company operates as an employee-owned entity and typically maintains 24/7 operating hours, closing only for portions of Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, and entirely on Christmas Day.
Key Takeaways: WinCo Foods Thornton Expansion
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| New Location | Northeast corner of E 164th Ave and Washington St |
| Purchase Price | $6.8 million |
| Store Size | Nearly 84,000 sq. Ft. |
| Developer/Seller | Site B LLC (Jordon Perlmutter & Co.) |
| Other CO Expansion | $3.6 million land purchase in Firestone |
As WinCo Foods secures its land and refines its site plans, residents in the metro Denver area can expect the arrival of a high-volume, discount grocery option that emphasizes bulk savings and extended accessibility.