Ralphs caters to So-Cal Jewish community
A kosher deli and Murray’s Cheese shop will be part of a new 72,000-sq.-ft. Ralph’s Fresh Fare supermarket set to open on Thursday, April 10 in the Los Angeles suburb of Sherman Oaks.
The store, large by southern California supermarket standards, is replacing a 42 year old store that closed two years ago in Sherman Oaks. The new store from Kroger’s Ralph’s division will feature several distinctive elements. Most notably the store will feature a full-service “Kosher Experience,” department that is said to be a first for a Ralphs store in the San Fernando Valley area of southern California.
The Kosher Experience is a 1,500 square-foot store within a store featuring a full-service delicatessen, bakery, meat and seafood department, frozen food section and several aisles of non-perishable kosher food products. In observance of Jewish tradition, the store's Kosher Experience is supervised by a Mashgiach who is responsible for making sure kosher laws are observed. In addition, the store's Kosher Experience department features its own meat processing room to further ensure there are no violations of Jewish dietary laws.
Another unique element of the store is a Murray's Cheese Shop. Murray’s is a name familiar to residents of the New York City area where the retailer was founded in 1940. The new Sherman Oaks Ralphs location will be the fourth store in the 228 store chain to feature a Murray’s brand specialty shop offering 175 types of cheeses along with an olive and antipasto bar.
The store, located at 14049 Ventura Boulevard, also features extended operating hours and will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Ralphs said 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. Based on shopper requests and input, the new Sherman Oaks Ralphs Fresh Fare has been uniquely designed to create an outstanding overall shopping experience.
"Sherman Oaks shoppers can expect to see great prices, larger product variety and top-notch customer service at our new Sherman Oaks Ralphs Fresh Fare," said Donna Giordano, president of Ralphs. "We're excited about the new products and services we are offering in our new Sherman Oaks store and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the community."
The store will employ approximately 240 full- and part-time employees and be led by store manager Al Santillo began his career with the company in 1983 and most recently served as manager of Ralphs high volume location in Studio City, Calif.