Posted inIndependent Store News, News, West

HGG Establishes Giving Foundation To Support Local Communities

Ontario, California-based Heritage Grocers Group (HGG) has established the Heritage Grocers Giving Foundation to advance education, promote health and wellness and support disaster-relief efforts. “At Heritage Grocers Group, we take pride in being an integral part of the communities we serve and are deeply committed to giving back in meaningful ways that create a lasting […]

Posted inExecutive News, News, West

USC Food Industry Executive Program Taps Northgate’s Hendry

USC Marshall School of Business has named Mike Hendry, EVP of marketing and merchandising at Northgate Gonzalez Market, as the executive-in-residence for the Food Industry Executive Program (FIEP) for the 2025-26 academic year. “Each year, we invite a distinguished industry executive who embodies a passion for mentoring emerging leaders to serve as our executive-in-residence,” said […]

Posted inAssociation News, News, West

Utah Food Industry Association Urges Members To Stay Engaged

Many Associated Food Stores retailers and team members from Associated Retail Operations participated in the Utah Food Industry Association’s (UFIA) annual conference Aug. 6 at the Davis Conference Center in Layton, Utah. Leadership transitions and recognition  Brandon Peterson, operations manager at Peterson’s Market and the outgoing chairman of the board, was recognized for his service. […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Vallarta Supermarkets, West

Vallarta Highlights Store Design At Second Modesto Site

Vallarta Supermarkets will debut its second location in Modesto, California, on Aug. 27. Located at 2401 E. Orangeburg Ave., the new store builds on the momentum of Modesto’s first Vallarta, which opened earlier this year at 3900 Pelandale Ave. That store created 227 new jobs. The latest store, which will add 194 jobs in the […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Deli News, News, West

Heritage Grocers Group Transforming Prepared Food Production

With the help of its technology partner, Upshop, Heritage Grocers Group (HGG) has begun transforming how it plans and produces fresh prepared foods. By shifting from experience-based methods to a cutting-edge, data-driven production planning system, Ontario, California-based HGG aims to enhance product availability, optimize labor and better serve diverse communities. “Leveraging predictive analytics, this system […]

Posted inAnniversary Issues, Feature, News, West

Former Vons Revamped As Pavilions In Mission Hills Neighborhood

The former Vons location in the Mission Hills area of San Diego, California, is now a Pavilions store. Though it underwent a fairly extensive remodel, the store remained open throughout the process. Wayne Heaton, VP and GM for Pavilions, said Mission Hills is “an incredible neighborhood” for the format. “Mission Hills has a great diverse […]

Posted inExecutive News, Association News, News, The Kroger Co., West

WAFC Adds King Soopers’ Albi To Board Of Directors

The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) elected Chris Albi, president of King Soopers/City division of The Kroger Co., to its board of directors during an Aug. 1 meeting in Irvine, California. With more than 40 years of leadership experience in the grocery industry, Albi brings knowledge, strategic insight and commitment to serving the community. She […]