Smart and Final Holds Grand Opening in Compton

The air was filled with excitement during the ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 1 at the new Smart and Final Extra store located at 280 S. Compton Blvd. in Compton.

As a lively band filled the air with music Compton residents, civic leaders and employees toured the spacious store, which features organic and natural foods, sugar free and gluten free entrees, dry goods, expanded frozen, deli and meat sections, a full produce section, bulk foods including nuts, grains and dried fruits, a large selection of beer and wine, party supplies and oven roasted chicken prepared on site.

Located at the site formerly occupied by Ralph’s supermarket, Smart and Final is one of the longest continuously operating food retailers in the U. S.

Smart and Final executives received a number of resolutions from elected officials, including Rep. Janice Hahn (D-CA), California State Senator Isadore Hall, Carson Assemblymember Mike Gipson, and Compton Councilmembers Emma Shariff, Janna Zurita and Yvonne Arceneaux.

“It’s a joyous occasion in our city,” said Brown. “To have access to fresh, high quality and accessible food in our community is simply wonderful. We are truly pleased to have Smart and Final here.”

“It’s a great day in Compton,” said Zurita. “I walked around the store and loved the produce and the meat departments. Smart and Final has provided us with another great store to enhance the quality of life for the people of Compton.”

“I want everybody to know how much we appreciate Smart and Final coming to Compton,” said Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper publisher Danny Bakewell. “Smart and Final has demonstrated that they are a quality operator and they have earned our respect and commitment by making this one of the best stores in the city.”

“This is one of the best turnouts we’ve ever seen in the community,” said Group Vice President of Smart and Final Southern Operations Sean Mahony. “It’s our latest and largest store so far and we are excited to be here.”
Store managers introduced 45 new employees who were hired from the city of Compton as attendees clapped.

Further demonstrating their investment in the community, Smart and Final store executives presented a $2,500 check to representatives from the Compton Salvation Army Compton Corps Community Center and a $2,500 check to the Compton-based Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum.

Smart and Final will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week.