Raley’s Celebrates 80th Anniversary

Raley's Family of Fine Stores is commemorating its 80th anniversary this week with a look-back on its first day of business, which took place on Feb. 16, 1935, when Thomas P. Raley opened his first store on Main St. in Placerville and advertised it as “the nation’s first drive-in market.”

From its humble beginnings, Raley’s Family of Fine Stores has evolved to become an integral part of many California and northern Nevada communities.

“My family and I are proud of how the company has grown over the last eight decades, and proud that we continue to provide high-quality, fresh and local products and exceptional customer service – just like my grandfather set out to do in 1935,” said Mike Teel, president/CEO of the West Sacramento, Calif.-based regional retailer.

With 128 stores and approximately 13,000 employees, Teel said customer service remains a priority, along with providing busy, health-conscious families with delicious, easy meal ideas at an everyday value.

Raley’s 80th anniversary coincides with a renewed companywide commitment to the wellness and sustainability of surrounding communities by partnering with local farmers to ensure consumers can get the best, fresh products at local food banks through the Food For Families program.

The privately-owned, family-operated company has stores in northern California and Nevada under four banners: Raley’s, Bel Air Markets, Nob Hill Foods and Food Source.