A favorite Los Angeles supermarket chain of chefs and celebrities is moving south, set to open its first San Diego county store next week. Gelson’s Markets will debut its brand in San Diego at 2707 Via De La Valle in Del Mar at the former Haggen location on January 14, with two other branches set to unveil in America's Finest City later in 2016.
This highly anticipated opening will be celebrated throughout opening week, commencing with a ribbon cutting at 9am on January 14. Gelson’s will also be thanking its first 200 customers with a gift bag valued at $20. In addition, customers will have the opportunity to sample featured merchandise and dishes throughout the opening week.
“We’re very excited to be opening our first San Diego location,” says Rob McDougall, Gelson’s President & CEO. “I believe we will prove ourselves beneficial to the community by providing premium-quality merchandise and exceptional customer service, while also re-employing the dedicated workforce that was subject to the Haggen crisis.”
Gelson’s remodeled the existing store, which now features new salad, hot foods and antipasti bars, as well as a carving cart within the service deli, a wellness set, and an enhanced juice and cut fruits counter. The store also features upgraded check stands and a customer service desk to facilitate the company’s signature service offerings.
The 64 year old supermarket chain, long revered by chefs, celebrities and foodies in Los Angeles and Orange County, purchased three locations in San Diego from Haggen after the chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late 2015, not even a full year after moving into San Diego. A fast reopening with a few essential improvements was a priority in order to re-employ existing Haggen associates, some of whom have worked at the location for many years under previous ownership. An extensive remodeling is slated later in 2016.
Founded in 1951, Gelson’s currently operates 18 full-service specialty grocery stores in Southern California. Each Gelson’s Market features the full amenities of a traditional supermarket, with the local flavor of a neighborhood market. Gelson’s is also on track to open new stores in Carlsbad (7660 El Camino Real) on February 11 and Pacific Beach (730 Turquoise St.) in late March.
For more information about Gelson’s, visit gelsons.com.
