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 […]
Category: West
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, West
99 Ranch Market Opens First Store In Portland, OR
Asian grocer 99 Ranch Market will open its second store in Oregon – and first in Portland – on Aug. 16. Portland is home to one of the country’s most vibrant Asian food scenes, which the company said makes it an ideal community to open its 65th store nationwide. Located at 10544 SE Washington St. […]
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 […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, News, West
Grocery Outlet Raises More Than $5M For Food Banks
Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. has completed its 15th annual Independence from Hunger Food Drive, raising more than $5 million to support food banks. From June 25-July 31, more than 540 locally-owned and -operated Grocery Outlet stores nationwide accepted donations in-store and online. They also collected pre-assembled grocery bags that were allocated to local food banks. […]
Posted inAnniversary Issues, Corporate Store News, Feature, News, West
Pavilions Stores Specialize In Selection Of Stellar Wines, Liquors
“There’s no other supermarket in Southern California that carries the selections and the varieties that we’re able to get in Pavilions.” That’s how Wayne Heaton, VP and GM of the Pavilions banner, describes the stores’ wine and liquor offerings. He credits Phil Markert for stewarding those departments so well. “We have a very special director […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, News, West
WAFC Mourns Death Of Former Longtime Leader
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has announced the death of former longtime COO Carole Christianson on Aug. 1 after a battle with leukemia. Christianson retired in 2022 following a 50-year career in the food and beverage industry and more than 15 years at the helm of the WAFC. During her time as COO, […]
Posted inBakery News, News, West
Mars Opens Nature’s Bakery Facility In Salt Lake City, UT
Nature’s Bakery, part of the Mars Inc. family of brands, opened a new baking facility July 30 in Salt Lake City, a $240 million investment that marks a milestone in the brand’s expansion. The 339,000-square-foot site gives Nature’s Bakery the space to grow, with the ability to produce more than 1 billion bars each year. […]