RIPON, Calif. — The Save Mart Companies has reopened its remodeled Save Mart location in Ripon, introducing a range of new amenities and expanded product offerings to enhance the in-store experience and better serve local shoppers.
The updated store at 1453 Goodwin Drive was celebrated with a community event on April 29, featuring company representatives, local organizations and customers. The remodel reflects a broader focus on fresh departments, convenience and service, which remain key competitive differentiators in the regional grocery sector.
The renovated location now features a full-service butcher block and seafood counter, an expanded service deli with more grab-and-go options, and a refreshed bakery cake case. The store has also added an on-site sushi chef and broadened its selection of fresh produce, including prepared items such as fruit parfaits, guacamole, and salsa.
In addition, the retailer expanded its wine and spirits selection and introduced self-checkout stations, aligning with ongoing consumer demand for variety and faster checkout times.
“Our customers in Ripon have made this store an important part of the community, and we’re proud to introduce these new upgrades and expanded services for them,” said Bobby McDowell, vice president of store operations at Save Mart. “We’re excited to celebrate with our neighbors and to continue serving this community for years to come.”
The remodeling effort underscores Save Mart’s continued investment in its physical store base as it works to strengthen its position across the West Coast. The company operates more than 200 stores in California, Western Nevada, Oregon and Washington under banners including Save Mart, Lucky, FoodMaxx, Roth’s and Chuck’s Fresh Market.
As part of the reopening, the company hosted a community celebration that included remarks from store leaders and support for local organizations. A “Heroes Bagging Showdown” competition featured participation from Second Harvest of the Greater Valley, the San Joaquin County Family Justice Center Foundation and The Healthy Room Project. Each organization retained the groceries bagged during the event to support its mission and received gift cards to further assist their efforts.
The celebration is scheduled to continue through May 3 with a vendor sampling event and gift card giveaway aimed at driving customer engagement and showcasing new offerings. The event will also feature appearances by the company’s oversized shopping cart mascot, “Big Red.”
The Save Mart Companies said its philanthropic arm, The CARES Foundation, has donated more than $5 million to local communities, reflecting an ongoing emphasis on community engagement as part of its operating model.
The Ripon remodel highlights a broader trend among regional grocers investing in store upgrades, fresh food capabilities, and experiential elements to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving grocery landscape.
