CARLSBAD — Ralphs celebrated the grand opening of a new grocery store on July 20 in La Costa, replacing the former Gelson’s Market after a $1.3 million renovation, and marked the occasion with a donation to Pacific Rim Elementary School.
Ralphs will anchor the shopping center at the northeast corner of El Camino Real and La Costa Avenue.
Since acquiring the store, Ralphs has invested $1.3 million in upgrades, according to a news release.
The improvements include new wayfinding elements designed to brighten the store, as well as new bakery displays and an open-air seafood case.
“At Ralphs, our stores are part of the fabric of the neighborhoods we serve,” said Salvador Ramirez, a spokesperson for Ralphs Grocery Company, in the release. “This remodel reflects our deep commitment to the Carlsbad community, where so many of our customers are also our neighbors.
“Every update, from the fresh food areas to the overall store experience, was designed with local families in mind, so that shopping here continues to feel familiar, welcoming, and a little better every time they walk through our doors.”
As part of the July 20 grand opening festivities, Ralphs donated to Pacific Rim Elementary School. Carlsbad Unified School District Superintendent Andrea Norman, who holds a doctorate in education from the University of Southern California, represented the district at the event.
The donation was made through the company’s Zero Hunger/Zero Waste initiative.
Ralphs began in 1873 as Ralphs & Francis in downtown Los Angeles when George A. Ralphs opened a grocery store with S.A. Francis, according to a story in Los Angeles magazine.
Two years later, George’s brother, Walter Ralphs, bought out Francis, and the business was renamed Ralphs Bros. Grocers.
Today, Ralphs operates 183 stores across Southern California and is a subsidiary of The Kroger Co., according to the release.
