For New Farmers Market, the Proof’s in the Vinyl

The sign change makes it official. Farmers Market at Atrium Court unveiled temporary vinyl signs Monday as part of its conversion from Irvine Ranch Farmers Market. The gourmet food store, at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, underwent the transformation Sunday night. The Irvine Ranch chain filed for bankruptcy in July and last week received court approval to abandon its lease at Fashion Island. By Monday, the changeover was almost complete--even though plastic sheets still covered shelves of merchandise that had yet to be counted. The new operation, leased by Pacific Ranch Market, will offer most of the same items as its predecessor. Even so, a few departments--notably baked potato, popcorn and hot dog stands--were missing Monday. Pacific Ranch has a six-month lease for the market, during which it will continue the operation “with as little interruption as possible,” said Dan Parker of Tri Pacific, Pacific Ranch’s broker in the deal. After that, “we’re taking a look to see whether we want to continue or not,” Parker said. The store conversion is expected to be finished today.