Gelson's Opens in Santa Monica

Gelson's Market, the supermarket long revered by chefs and celebrities in Southern California, open its first location in Santa Monica on Thursday.

Taking over the former site of Albertsons, which was sold to Haggen before the company declared bankruptcy, the store features an emphasis on fresh, organic, and non-genetically modified foods.

Citing the healthy beach lifestyle, Gelson's CEO Rob McDougall said Santa Monica was the perfect location for the company's 22nd store.

“We are thrilled to launch our first store in Santa Monica – our 22nd store overall – and we know the local community will appreciate the premium-quality merchandise and exceptional customer service that has become the hallmark of Gelson’s,” McDougall said.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday morning, the first 200 shoppers got a special gift bag valued at $20.

Among those in attendance at the store's grand opening was Santa Monica Mayor Ted Vazquez, Mayor Pro Tempore Ted Winterer, actor Ed Begley, councilman Kevin McKeown and members of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce.

Gelson's bought eight stores from Haggen when the company declared bankruptcy late 2015. Gelson's said its decision to quickly reopen in order to re-employ existing Haggen employees, many of whom worked at the Santa Monica location for many years.

More extensive remodeling is planned for later 2016.

--Photo courtesy of Gelson's