Ralphs returns to downtown Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES After more than 50 years, Ralphs Grocery Co. is opening its first store in downtown Los Angeles on July 20. According to the company this will be the area's first modern, full-service supermarket and will feature Ralphs' Fresh Fare design.

"Ralphs is pleased to be the first full-service supermarket to serve the residents of downtown Los Angeles and we are proud to be a part of the ongoing redevelopment of downtown Los Angeles," said Dave Hirz, president of Ralphs Supermarkets. "We hope the opening of our new downtown supermarket will provide an impetus for further residential and business development in the area."

The Downtown Ralphs Fresh Fare will offer expanded grocery, liquor and produce/floral departments, along with a full complement of specialty service departments, the company announced. 

According to Ralphs, the supermarket will employ more than 180 full-time and part-time associates, and about 100 staff members have been newly hired from the downtown community.