k e e p i n g
BUSINESS JOURNAL
b u s i n e s s e s
c o n n e c t e d ™
OCTOBER 2019
VOLUME 4 ■ ISSUE 10
IN PROFILE
Tapped Apple in Salida is drawing visitors from throughout the Central Valley eager to try the hard cider. PAGE 3
NEWS
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Wine grapes take top spot in San Joaquin County.
Save Mart opened their flagship store in their hometown of Modesto on Oct. 1.
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Flagship Save Mart store opens in Modesto
NEW ERA OF GROCERY SHOPPING BY SABRA STAFFORD
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n 1952, Save Mart opened their first grocery store on Crow’s Landing Road in Modesto with a focus on bringing fresh foods from local farms to Central Valley homes. Fast-forward to 2019, and that focus remains the same, but the stores certainly have a brandnew appeal. The Save Mart Companies celebrated the opening of its 54,000 square foot, prototype Save Mart store in Modesto on Oct. 1, with a bevy of new features and conveniences that are re-shaping the grocery industry. “Modesto is more than where we are, it’s who we are,” said The Save Mart Companies Chief Executive Officer Nicole Pesco. “We’re family-owned with deep roots and longstanding friendships with local ranchers, farmers and producers who help fulfill our vision every day. It means a lot to us to be part of this neighborhood because this is where we grew up and are now raising our own families. We’re proud of our hometown and the hardworking people who live here.” The flagship store sought to promote the local connection
to agriculture and the products made in the region. From the minute they enter the store, guests will recognize products from local farms and purveyors—like Fiscalini cheese, Ratto Bros. produce, Rosie’s Donuts, Diamond Almonds and Dust Bowl beer. Signature experiences, farm stand-style produce, loads of freshly-made options, and new ideas in every aisle make this store a destination for shoppers from throughout the region. A highly specialized store team provides services new to the Save Mart stores, including sliced-to-order produce preparation, ground-to-order sausagemaking, marinated- and grilledto-order meats, a nut station that offers fresh-made peanut butter and locally sourced honey and maple syrup, a deli market with hot and cold selections, and an olive oil station. Further, cheese and seafood specialists will roam the store providing guests insight on food pairings and how to prepare the season’s fresh fare. “I’m thrilled to open this new store. We truly had the Modesto family in mind when we developed our food selection, creSEE MARKET, PAGE 10
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
The Beer Cave is home to over 550 varieties and sizes in a very easy to shop layout. It’s a bit chilly in there, so guests may want to bring a sweater.