18 JULY / AUGUST 2025 ABASTO.COM LA COCINA SERVES READY-MADE MEALS Time-pressed shoppers grab carnitas tacos, chicken mole or Salvadoran pupusas prepared in La Cocina. Seating along the front windows invites guests to enjoy hot dishes before tackling the rest of their list. By Hernando Ramírez-Santos V allarta Supermarkets Colton store opens June 4, marking the Latino-owned chain’s 60th California location and under- scoring fast regional growth. Vallarta will cut the ribbon at 8:15 a.m. at 1250 Washington St., welcoming Colton residents with music, giveaways and a $7,500 donation to local schools and charities. Company marketing director Lizette Gomez called the milestone “a reflection of our deep commitment to the communities we serve.” MODERN DESIGN HONORS LATINO HERITAGE Spanning 43,931 square feet, the super- market blends contemporary lighting and signage with vivid murals and traditional tilework. Shoppers will find wide aisles, clear bilingual navigation and self-checkout stations that speed transactions while preserving Vallarta’s hallmark warm service. FRESH PRODUCE HEADLINES THE OFFERINGS The produce department displays seaso- nal staples, exotic tropical fruit and certified organic vegetables sourced from California fields and premium interna- tional farms. Staff rotate stock hourly, ensuring crisp lettuce, ripe mangoes and aromatic herbs stay at peak freshness. CARNICERÍA ANCHORS | THE SALES FLOOR Vallarta Supermarkets Colton dedicates a full wall to its Carnicería, branded “Home of the Original Carne Asada.” Skilled butchers hand-trim ranchera flank steak, marinate cuts in signature spice blends and grind beef to order. Clear pricing boards highlight specials and encourage meal planning. VALLARTA SUPERMARKETS COLTON STORE GRAND OPENING SET FOR JUNE 4 EXPANDS LATINO GROCERY FOOTPRINT PANADERÍA AND TORTILLERÍA DELIVER DAILY AROMAS Bakers start mixing dough at 3 a.m., filling the air with the scent of conchas and boli- llos. Nearby, machines press and cook corn and flour tortillas from nixtamalized masa ground on volcanic stone, demons- trating authenticity and transparency. DULCERÍA, CREMERÍA AND FLORERÍA ROUND OUT SELECTION Rows of tamarind candies and piñatas brighten the Dulcería, while the Cremería stocks queso Oaxaca and crema fresca for regional recipes. The Florería offers bouquets from Inland Empire growers and potted succulents that suit local patios. VALLARTA SUPERMARKETS COLTON CREATES JOBS, FUELS EXPANSION STRATEGY The new Vallarta Supermarkets Colton branch adds roughly 150 positions, brin- ging the company workforce past 8,000. The chain opened 59 stores over four decades, mainly in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Executives plan additional Inland Empire sites as popu- lation growth and Latino purchasing power climb. FOCUS ON CULTURE DRIVES LOYALTY Industry analysts credit Vallarta’s success to curated departments reflecting Latin American tastes and community involve- ment through scholarships, food drives and disaster aid. By fusing tradition with modern convenience, the grocer retains multigenerational shoppers and attracts newcomers seeking authentic flavors. LOOKING AHEAD The supermarket chain will follow the Vallarta Supermarkets Colton model for its upcoming projects: medium-sized stores, cultural details, and services that differentiate the brand in a highly compe- titive market. As Gómez pointed out, “We are celebrating 40 years of sharing food that tastes like home; Colton is the next chapter.” IN THE NEWS SPECIALTY STATIONS ADD FLAVOR VARIETY Guacamole Station: Associates mash Hass avocados and mix pico de gallo to each guest’s heat preference. Sushi Bar: Trained chefs roll California, spicy tuna and vegetarian options on site, replacing trays every four hours. Juice Bar: Vitroleros brim with horchata, jamaica and strawberry agua fresca, while blenders whir with carrot-ginger wellness shots.