70 • March | April 2026 • abasto.com A Warm Welcome for Vallarta Supermarkets in Arizona BY HERNANDO RAMÍREZ-SANTOS V allarta Supermar- kets, with more than 40 years of his- tory in California, opened its first supermarket in Glen- dale, Arizona, on January 14. The 49,000-square-foot store located at 59th Ave- nue and Camelback Road celebrated its opening with music, dancing, and gifts for the first customers. The arrival marks the begin- ning of a broader expan- sion in Arizona. César González, COO and owner of the Glendale store, said that touring the community and talking to residents was key to deci- ding to open outside of Ca- lifornia. “We saw that the- re was a real opportunity to serve this community and bring an authentic shop- ping experience,” he said. Glendale welcomed the Hispanic supermarket chain, which drew a large influx of customers. Political and Cultural Support It brings unique products, jobs, and a real boost to our local economy.” Jerry P. Weiers | Mayor of Glendale. Councilman Lupe Conchas, whose district includes the new store, welcomed the opening before the crowd: “We are not just celebrating a supermarket, we are cele- brating a cultural space for the Latino community in Glendale,” he said during the ceremony. In addition to local jobs, Vallarta donated $7,500 to local organizations and schools as part of the festi- vities, reinforcing its com- munity focus. • Continues on page 72 • FOOD INDUSTRY