This is such a great season to reflect and be thankful – rehearsing memorable moments and sentimental stories with family and friends. One of the things the North Sac News and our surrounding area neighbors and friends are thankful for is the time we have had with one of our favorite grocery stores, Raley’s, on Watt at Antelope.
“This Raley’s has the same kind of feel as the corner market I grew up with. Friendly clerks, good service and good meat and produce,” reminisces a loyal patron of the North Highlands’ store.
Standing in the checkout line at our local Raley’s, you will find the topic of conversation revolves around the closing of the store in the beginning of January. Speaking with the employees seems to bring the common comment of, “We will definitely miss the customers, but we are all looking forward to growing with the company.” One checker that we have watched grow up from courtesy clerk to super checker said, “I’ve been here for over seven years and it’s the only store I’ve known, so I am excited to venture out.” When asked if he’ll stay with the Raley’s corporation he gave an emphatic, “Most definitely!” That was the consensus across the board with the employees. They are grateful for the company and looking forward to what lies ahead. They are eagerly anticipating the announcement of which store they will be assigned to.
Meanwhile, the customers are asking about the new family member moving in – Food Source. Food Source is the warehouse type store in the Raley’s family. It’s good to know the building will not be vacant as was one of the rumors flying around and that a reputable grocery store will be taking its place.
“I’m happy to know there is another grocery store going in. We lost Albertson’s a few years ago and we would have been disappointed to lose another grocery store close to home. I will sure miss the nice people at Raley’s, though,” stated a shopper that says she’s been shopping at Raley’s since the doors opened.
Spokesmen say that at Food Source, you can expect low prices on produce, meat and all your favorite national brand groceries. I’ll bet there will be nice employees there, too. It will soon feel like home again.
Raley’s founder, Tom Raley, was the 13th of 14 children raised in Lead Hill Arkansas, with an optimistic motto, “nothing is impossible”. His dreams, determination, integrity, hard work and enthusiasm led him to open his first of many Raley’s in Placerville, CA in 1935.
Over the years the Raley’s family of stores has grown to 133 stores in California and Nevada, including Raley’s Superstores, Bel Air Markets, Nob Hill Foods and Food Source. One of the most highlighted traits of Tom Raley was that he was open to any new ideas as long as it served his customers. “Treat our customers the way you’d like to be treated,” he told his employees, “and they’ll come back.” That was – and still is – Raley’s Golden Rule.
Raley’s has been a tremendous support to the community with donations and assistance. Thanks to the Tom Raley family for giving us great memories at the North Highlands’ store and we look forward to the new memories we will make with Food Source.
And a special thank you to all the checkers, courtesy clerks, deli, bakery, meat, dairy, produce and pharmacy specialists as well as the cleaning crew, the stock crew, the management team and anyone else we may have missed that have so faithfully served North Highlands for all these years. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and an exciting 2012.