New Hillcrest/Mission Hills Vons Is Open for Business
Grand Opening with Fundraiser Benefitting Mama’s Kitchen
After 11 months of construction, the new Hillcrest/Mission Hills Vons at 515 West Washington Street is open for business, following a 3 p.m. ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 29, 2012.
Safeway, the parent company of Vons, has owned and operated a 12,000 square foot store at this location since 1960, but the store’s size and layout prohibited them from carrying more products and expanding services.
Arnaldo Cordero (left) is returning to the Vons Mission Hills/Hillcrest Store. He is pictured with Lori Ray, Vons president, and Gilbert Gonzales, director of public relations and government affairs.
“This new Vons has been an exciting opportunity to work in cooperation with our Mission Hills and Hillcrest neighbors to build the state-of-the-art store that will serve their community for many years,” said Lori Raya, president of Safeway’s Vons Division. “The new facility, which is nearly 58,000 square feet, will meet every customer need and convenience.”
The store includes larger, full-service floral, deli, bakery, meat and seafood departments, as well as the “Farmer’s Market,” an expanded produce section with organic selections. Expanded beer, wine and liquor areas have also been added.
The location features a Starbucks with interior seating and WiFi, as well as a pharmacy with an enclosed waiting area. Customers will also enjoy expanded check-stand areas, self-checkout stations, a new outside seating area, as well as garage parking with multiple access points, elevators, escalators and cart movers.
In terms of jobs, the store will have a team of around 120 employees, including 70 new hires.
“We are excited to have several returning employees who worked at the store prior to closure,” said Raya. “Seeing those familiar faces again will spark fun reunions with our long-time customers.”
To celebrate its grand opening, Vons hosted a wine tasting on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 to benefit Mama’s Kitchen. The reception featured a variety of high-end wines, hors d’oeuvres, artisan cheeses, a dessert bar, and live jazz entertainment by the K8 Stewart Experience.
Category: Local News
