Roger and Heidi Custer, 1982 graduates of Ceres High School, experienced a gamut of emotions when they were finally able to open their second Grocery Outlet Bargain Market and first in their former hometown Thursday morning.
The couple spent years of searching for a building and months of construction to finally hold the grand opening in the eastern half of the former Raley’s – it was last the home of Rancho San Miguel Market – building at 1611 E. Hatch Road in Ceres. The event included music, free food, gift card giveaways and a Ceres Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting. The Custers, who’ve also owned the Grocery Outlet on Prescott Avenue in Modesto for nearly nine years, also presented a $1,000 check to the store’s community partner, the Salvation Army of Modesto.
Roger Custer acknowledged his father-in-law John for all his help readying the store for the opening as well as other family members who rallied around the effort.
“We are here to serve the community of Ceres so give us a call,” Custer told the crowd. “If you need something let us know. We are happy to help. But best of all we are going to save you a ton on groceries and that is what we need in this economy. We have got to save 40 to 70 percent on what you’re going to pay for groceries elsewhere and I promise you – as long as I can order – we are going to have fantastic deals every single day.”
Ceres Mayor Javier Lopez welcomed the new business and told the Custers that he lives “right down the street so please save me on groceries, especially with this economy.”
Ceres Chamber of Commerce President Brandy Meyer said she couldn’t wait for the new store to open and followed the progress on social media.
“I’m very excited to have you guys come here and I’m also looking forward to getting some discounts on groceries,” said Meyer.
The new store, which has a sales floor of 15,000 square feet, has created 31 new jobs and provides big savings on name-brand, high quality merchandise for consumers.
Grocery Outlet claims to offer the same trusted brands as traditional grocery stores at lower prices.
Grocery Outlet stores are independently operated by local families who are committed to supporting their communities.
The new store will be open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Founded in 1946, Grocery Outlet is based in Emeryville, and has more than 450 locations throughout California, Idaho, Maryland, New Jersey, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
Grocery Outlet offers a full range of products, including fresh produce, meat, deli, and dairy, natural and organic choices, a large selection of beer and wine, health and beauty care, and seasonal items.
The western half of the building will be home to Big Lots which opens soon.
