Vallarta Supermarkets is celebrating its 40th anniversary and evolution from 1985 as a single carnicería in Van Nuys, California, into a large independent grocer with 63 locations across the state.
For four decades, Vallarta has been more than a grocery store – it has been a cultural hub for generations of families seeking authentic ingredients and flavors. From fresh pan dulce and handmade tortillas to hard-to-find Latin American staples, the grocer has helped preserve culinary traditions while supporting the communities it serves.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate 40 years of Vallarta Supermarkets,” said Lizette Gomez, Vallarta’s director of marketing.
“This milestone is a tribute to our loyal customers, dedicated team members and the values instilled by the Gonzalez family, who built Vallarta with heart, hard work and a deep respect for culture and community.”
To commemorate the anniversary, the grocer has held a series of initiatives and celebrations throughout the summer, including:
- Maestro De La Asada – Vallarta invited influencers across the country to share their favorite family recipes using ingredients from its supermarkets. Four winners were picked to showcase their skills in a live cooking competition, judged by a team of celebrity chefs and the chain’s culinary team. After three 45-minute cook-offs, the winner received a $15,000 grand prize.
- Park renovations – Vallarta initiated various efforts to revamp the Valley Plaza Sports Complex, adding barbecue pits, new picnic tables, refreshed cementing and landscaping, as well as an ADA-compliant walking path. Over the course of the next year, it will add an overhead cover to shade and comfort groups gathering at the park. “Vallarta Markets have been a great asset to my district and a stalwart partner of our community,” said City Councilman Adrin Nazarian. “Vallarta’s generous gift to Valley Plaza Park makes it a friendlier and more accessible place for our families to picnic, stroll and enjoy the outdoors.”
- Giving back – Vallarta donated $30,000 to 32 charities in support of education, hunger relief and local nonprofits across California. A representative from each charity was invited to the nearest Vallarta store to accept the donation.
Founded by the Gonzalez family, Vallarta Supermarkets remains family-owned and operated, with its mission the same as it was 40 years ago – to provide fresh, high-quality food at affordable prices while embracing and celebrating Hispanic culture.
As it looks toward the future, Vallarta is doubling down on innovation and community, with new store openings, expanded product offerings and continued investments in local impact.
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