California-based retailer Grocery Outlet will close 36 stores it considers “financially unsound.” One of the stores confirmed for closure is at 2900 Sperry Drive in Patterson, Stanislaus County.
The move is part of an effort to “strengthen long-term profitability and cash flow generation, improve operational execution, optimize existing store layouts and align with our disciplined new store growth strategy,” according to a company press release.
March 6 Facebook postPatterson franchise owners Sarah Kumar and Frank Quiroga wrote: “It is with great sadness that Frank, our family and I (Sarah) announce that we will be retiring on April 25, 2026. We are as shocked as you are that this was not our choice, but a company decision, as many of you have seen in the news. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our customers and our community. This store has been a dream and a privilege for us, and we look forward to seeing you all before we close. “
The store, which opens in August 2023, will be Paterson’s only grocery store. After the news was announced, hundreds of shoppers and community members flooded the store’s Instagram and Facebook accounts with messages of support and disappointment.
Paterson Mayor Michael Clauzel responded to the news Instagram The March 7 post read, “The closing of the Paterson Grocery Store is a heartbreaking moment for our community. Sarah and her team were like family to so many of us. Their kindness, their service, and their commitment to Paterson have touched countless lives, and it’s heartbreaking to see this chapter close — not because of anything they did, but because of the decision a company made to move away from the community they so faithfully serve.”
He followed this post There is video People are being asked to shop in stores to try to change that decision. It’s part of Clauzel’s “26 for 26” campaign, which asks residents to spend at least $26 a month at local businesses. He encouraged residents to spend $26 a week at the store to make an impact and change the company’s mind.
Krautzel added during a call with The Bee, “It’s really about the family atmosphere that Sarah and Frank bring. They live in Diablo Grande. They’re Paterson residents and we really come together as a community when our fellow citizens need help and they need help and I know our citizens are going to show up in a big way,” he said.
This is the only affected location in the area. There are seven others in Stanislaus County: two in Modesto, two in Turlock and one each in Ceres, Oakdale and Patterson. Last year it was announced that the eighth branch would be located in Riverbank.