Stater Bros. Opens 1st Covina, Calif. Location

Stater Bros. President and COO Pete Van Helden joined with store managers and associates to cut the ribbon on the opening of its first supermarket in Covina, Calif., earlier this month. The new 42,258-square-foot Covina “blue ribbon” Stater Bros., located at 1023 North Grand Ave., is the San Bernardino, Calif.-based grocer's 26th location in Los Angeles County.

Led by Store Manager Ivan Ulloa, who has more than 24 years of service with Stater Bros., the new Covina store features the latest in environmentally friendly fixtures and equipment, including LED lighting throughout the entire store; a new lighting system that uses dimming ballasts; energy efficient lamps and occupancy sensors; an energy management system that controls refrigeration; demand response HVAC and lighting; and a recycling center.

Staffed by on-site butchers and experts in the full-service fresh meat and seafood departments, the service deli features Cleo & Leo exclusive recipes and hand-breaded fried chicken, rotisserie style chicken, specialty sandwiches and wraps, taco and combo burrito meals and a full line of prepared party trays.

A self-service beverage bar is highlighted by Coca-Cola's “freestyle” fountain drink station featuring more than 100 flavors of soda, ICEE drinks, iced teas, espresso, specialty coffees and hot cocoa.

Meanwhile, the full-service hot bakery boasts a full selection of artisan breads and rolls, including freshly baked pan dulce, special occasion cupcakes and cakes, including tres leches cakes and in-house cake decorators to assist with all special occasion needs. The fresh produce department houses more than 1,000 items, including expanded organic selections and fresh flowers, plants, arrangements and gifts in floral, in addition to a full-service U.S. Bank branch.

Stater Bros. Charities donated nearly $10,000 to local organizations at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.