For Immediate Release
Family-owned company also prepares for reopening of newly remodeled flagship store in Pleasanton
PLEASANTON, Calif. – (April 26, 2021) — Final touches are being made in preparation for the grand opening of Lucky California’s newly remodeled flagship store and innovation lab, located at 6155 W Las Positas Blvd in Pleasanton, California. Extensively remodeled and rebranded from Lucky to Lucky California, the neighborhood grocery store is conveniently located and is proudly a traditional grocery plus offering an amazing assortment of local and diverse flavors, representing the best of the Bay Area, all at the low prices that Pleasanton residents expect and deserve.
Pleasanton’s new store director and management team are eager to welcome guests and are grateful for the community’s patience while the store was closed during renovation. Throughout construction, Lucky California’s full-service pharmacy has remained open and its trusted pharmacy team continues to serve the community under the direction of Pharmacy manager, Christopher Ben.
While there will be many familiar faces on the store team, Lucky California’s Facebook and Instagram pages will acquaint shoppers with the store’s newest team members who bring their professional expertise in the grocery business as well as a commitment to provide store guests with a friendly experience. Social media will also provide shoppers with the latest news about the upcoming grand opening and weekend festivities.
Meet the Lucky California Pleasanton team:
Store Director – Mario Guerrero
New store director Mario Guerrero is excited to bring his passion for the business, energy, and years of knowledge and experience to the Pleasanton community. Having joined The Save Mart Companies (parent company of Lucky California/Lucky) in 2007, Mario has over 20 years of experience in the grocery industry. He began his management career as Center Store Manager at Lucky in San Leandro and was soon promoted to Assistant Store Manager at Lucky in Redwood City. Over the following years, Mario took on store manager roles at several Bay Area locations including the Lucky California store in the Montclair neighborhood of Oakland. Mario has overseen store renovations and grand re-openings at several Lucky California stores throughout the Bay Area. Mario acknowledges the importance of team members to the overall success of a store noting that, “creating an inviting work environment leads to a remarkable shopping experience for our guests.” In his downtime, Mario enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, barbecuing on weekends and watching his favorite team, the Golden State Warriors.
Center Store Market Manager – Anthony Garcia
Anthony Garcia is excited to take on the role of Center Store Market Manager for Pleasanton’s newest Lucky California store. As the Center Store Market Manager, Anthony will oversee all aspects of the center store departments, including signature programs and items that are unique to Lucky California. Anthony has worked for The Save Mart Companies for 20 years and is thrilled to build team rapport and getting to meet and know the residents of Pleasanton. Anthony previously served as the assistant store manager at the Lucky store in Pinole.
Fresh Market Manager – Ruben Alvarez
As the Fresh Market Manager, Ruben Alvarez will oversee the operations of the new and innovative fresh-made prepared foods. Ruben brings several years of high-profile hospitality and food service experience, most recently serving as a director of banquets and food and beverage operations manager at a bay area hotel.
Guest Services Manager – Melissa Hershey
Melissa Hershey joins Lucky California as the guest services manager overseeing all aspects of providing a remarkable shopping experience to guests throughout the store. She brings more than 15 years of management experience in the food and beverage industry. Most recently, Melissa managed all food and beverage operations for a San Francisco hotel.
About Lucky California
Embracing California’s spirit, identity, and flavors, Lucky California and Lucky stores represent the “Golden State of Eating.” With 68 locations in and around the San Francisco Bay Area, Lucky California and Lucky provide guests with diverse and eclectic flavors while still offering exceptional value throughout the store. Lucky California is part of The Save Mart Companies, the largest family-owned grocer in California. Committed to sourcing a wide variety of local products to the communities it serves, the Company operates 204 traditional and price impact stores under the banners of Save Mart, Lucky California, Lucky, FoodMaxx and MaxxValue Foods. In addition to its retail operation, the company also operates Smart Refrigerated Transport and is a partner in Super Store Industries (SSI), which owns and operates a distribution center in Lathrop and the Sunnyside Farms dairy processing plant in Turlock. For more information on Lucky California and Lucky stores, please visit: www.LuckySupermarkets.com.
Media contacts: Glodow Nead Communications at TSMCPR@glodownead.com