Fresh & Easy Set to Open 10 SoCal Stores by Early 2011

Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market has revealed plans to open 10 stores in the Southern California area by early 2011. Along with the openings, the division of U.K. grocer Tesco expects to hire more than 210 employees for these stores.

“We're thrilled we’re able to create even more good-paying jobs with competitive pay and comprehensive benefits every time we open another store,” said Tim Mason, CEO of El Segundo, Calif.-based Fresh & Easy. “Our people are the most important part of our business.”

Entry-level positions start at $10 an hour in California. Other benefits of hire include quarterly bonuses of up to 10 percent, a 401(k) with company match, and the opportunity to work at least 20 hours per week, which entitles everyone to vision, prescription drug, dental and medical coverage, with Fresh & Easy paying at least 75 percent, according to the company.

The following is a list of dates and city locations of the 10 Fresh & Easy California stores opening early next year:

• El Cajon: Jan. 12
• Lake Forest, Costa Mesa and San Diego: Feb. 9
• Oceanside, Walnut Park and Ventura: Feb. 16
• Camarillo and San Dimas: Feb. 23
• Long Beach: March 30

Fresh & Easy is currently accepting applications for positions on its Web site at www.freshandeasy.com/joinus. The chain has created more than 700 jobs this year and currently has more than 4,000 employees in California, Nevada and Arizona.