Last updated on September 15th, 2015 at 04:26 pm
Ralphs will host a grand reopening of its remodeled Westwood Village supermarket on Friday. Following its expansion by more than 50,000 s.f. to 93,400 s.f., the store is the largest Ralphs in Southern California. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 8 a.m. at the store at 10861 Le Conte Avenue.
“Westwood Village shoppers can expect to see great prices, larger product variety and top-notch customer service at our newly remodeled and expanded Westwood Ralphs,” said Donna Giordano, president of Ralphs. “We’re excited about the new products and services we are offering in our Westwood store, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the community.”
Ralphs, a banner of The Kroger Co., says it worked closely with local community organizations and residents to determine which new and expanded offerings, services and products would best meet the community’s needs.
Shoppers of the store can enjoy an expanded selection of products and services, including an abundance of fresh produce; a fully staffed meat department featuring high-quality meats; a fresh seafood department; a full-service bakery featuring fresh breads, rolls and desserts; a service delicatessen with fresh items for shoppers on the go; a full-service pharmacy; and a wide of organic/natural and gluten-free offerings.
The remodeled Westwood supermarket also features a number of “firsts” for Ralphs, including a food court-style restaurant with seating. Hungry shoppers visiting the store’s “food court” can choose of fresh-made entrees and desserts, including made-to-order burgers, handcrafted sandwiches, fresh Italian and Mexican foods, pizza, salads, sushi, desserts and more. There also is a juice bar offering natural and organic smoothies and juices.
Additionally, the renovated Westwood Ralphs is just the second Ralphs to feature a sit-down wine and beer bar. The store’s Cork & Tap wine and beer bar features premium wines and local craft beers by the glass. Customers also can order food, including cheeses, from the Cork & Tap’s tapas-style menu.
The Westwood Village Ralphs features an in-store Murray’s Cheese Shop as well. Founded in 1940, Murray’s Cheese is the oldest cheese shop in New York City and is known for its expertise in cheese and large selection of cheeses from around the world. The Ralphs Westwood Murray’s Cheese Shop offers more than 175 types of cheese—including dozens of local varieties—plus a selection of specialty items, including crackers, dried fruit and an olive and antipasto bar.
The remodeled store features a “Live Naturally” wellness center offering more than 3,500 natural items from vitamins to body care products. Shoppers also can enjoy the convenience of the store’s “Money Shop,” which provides a variety of financial services, including money transfers, money orders, payroll and government check-cashing, bill payment, pre-paid debit cards and pre-paid phones.
Adding to the store’s one-stop-shopping experience are a Starbucks cafe with free Wi-Fi and an upgraded in-store pharmacy, which is open 24 hours a day to serve customers.
The store will employ approximately 340 full- and part-time associates, including 150 newly-hired associates from the community. Store Manager Don Jansen began his supermarket career in 1988 as a part-time courtesy clerk. He was promoted to store manager in 2009. Jansen became Westwood’s manager in May. Prior to that, he managed a high-volume Ralphs in Burbank.
“I’m looking forward to showing the residents of Westwood our newly-remodeled store and all it has to offer,” said Jansen. “Our goal is to be the best supermarket in the area by offering our customers great service, selection and quality foods at exceptional value. We look forward to the community joining us at our grand reopening celebration on Friday, Sept. 18.”
Ralphs officials, store associates and local dignitaries will participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday. Musicians from the UCLA Bruin Marching Band also will perform. The celebration will include the presentation of a $42,000 donation from Ralphs to Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA as well.
Other special grand-opening events include character appearances, product giveaways and samplings, and raffle drawings throughout the weekend.
