SoCal Grocer Planning 15 Arizona Stores

A Southern California-based supermarket chain plans to enter the Phoenix grocery store competition. The first Arizona Vallarta store will be located in Grandview Plaza, a 49,000 square foot space at the northeast corner of 59th Avenue and Camelback Road. The site is already under construction and is expected to open in January. The Phoenix Business Journal reports the company aims to open 10-15 stores in Arizona within 10 years

Vallarta has been operating for 40 years and is primarily focused on a Latino customer base. It has more than 70 stores in California.

Vallarta says it sets itself apart from other supermarkets and Latino grocers by its focus on fresh food and produce, as well as its ready-to-eat items made in the store including a sushi station, fresh cut fruit, an onsite bakery, fresh ceviche made every day and a tortilleria.

Vallarta expects to hire around 150-200 people for the first Arizona location.