In 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 brand-new 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.”
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 sausage-making, marinated- and grilled-to-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.
At the store’s Bakery Bar, customers can mix-n-match cookies by-the-pound, alongside an assortment of Mexican pastries like churros and Mexican sweet bread. They also offer locally roasted Milone coffee or espresso drinks.
In the meat and seafood section, guests can request made-to-order brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, and sausage smoked over-night for the fullest flavor. The store team will make fresh sausage with flavors like mango-habanero and tomato-basil. To round it out, grilling specialists will cook meats and seafood to-order as guests shop.
The store features a Beer Cave, which is the largest selection of cold beer in Modesto. The Beer Cave is home to over 550 varieties and sizes in a very easy to shop layout. If guests prefer wine, the store hosts cheese and wine specialists that are available to assist guests with pairings.
Modesto’s new Save Mart store will also serve as an innovation center for the company, that operates 207 stores throughout California and Northern Nevada under the banners of FoodMaxx, Lucky and Save Mart.
The new Save Mart store is located at 3401 Oakdale Road in Modesto. ■
