Last updated on August 29th, 2022 at 01:04 pm
After 11 months of construction, the new Hillcrest/Mission Hills Vons at 515 West Washington St. in San Diego is set to open for business Thursday, March 29, following a 3 p.m. ribbon cutting ceremony.
Safeway, Vons’ parent company, has owned and operated a 12,000-s.f. store at this location since 1960, but the store’s size and layout prohibited it from carrying more products and expanding services.
“This new Vons has been an exciting opportunity to work in cooperation with our Mission Hills and Hillcrest neighbors to build the state-of-the-art store that will serve their community for many years,” said Lori Raya, president of Safeway’s Vons Division. “The new facility, which is nearly 58,000 s.f., will meet every customer need and convenience.”
The store includes larger, full-service floral, deli, bakery, meat and seafood departments, as well as the “Farmer’s Market,” an expanded produce section with organic selections. Expanded beer, wine and liquor areas also have been added.
The location features a Starbucks with interior seating and Wi-Fi as well as a pharmacy with an enclosed waiting area. Customers also will enjoy expanded check-stand areas, self-checkout stations, a new outside seating area, as well as garage parking with multiple access points, elevators, escalators and cart movers.
In terms of jobs, the store will have a team of around 120 employees, including 70 new hires.
“We are excited to have several returning employees who worked at the store prior to closure,” said Raya. “Seeing those familiar faces again will spark fun reunions with our long-time customers.”
To celebrate its grand opening, Vons is hosting a wine tasting from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday to benefit Mama’s Kitchen, a nonprofit charitable organization that prepares and delivers meals to men, women and children affected by AIDS or cancer. The reception will feature a variety of high-end wines, hors d’oeuvres, artisan cheeses, a dessert bar, and live jazz entertainment by the K8 Stewart Experience.
The wine tasting is open to the community for those age 21 and older. Tickets will be sold at the door for a minimum $25 donation.
“An evening of fun, food and wine is a great way to welcome Vons back to the neighborhood,” said Alberto Cortés, executive director of Mama’s Kitchen. “Thanks to Vons, 100 percent of the proceeds from the event will go to preparing and delivering food to men, women and children who are affected by AIDS or cancer.
Donations in the form of cash, check or credit card will be accepted at the door.
