'Secret' Safeway to expand 'Secret' Safeway to expand (July 14, 2004)

By Jane Knoerle
Almanac Staff Writer

Out with the old. In with the new. Safeway, which first opened in Sharon Heights Shopping Center in 1966, will expand into the 3,500- square-foot space vacated this week by Longs Pharmacy, according to store manager Martin West.

"We will expand the produce section and the meat section," says Mr. West. "We're hoping to start soon."

The store would also like to extend its floral department, he said, since the center's floral shop, Nature's Octagon, closed several years ago.

The existing Safeway encompasses 10,000 square feet and, essentially, has not been remodeled since opening in 1966. Many customers grouse about the store's limited selection, Mr. West says. Some, though, like its smaller size, compared to today's mega-stores.

The store has never been able to operate a deli or bakery, like most Safeways, or to carry liquor, because of the shopping center's lease restrictions.

Stanford students refer to it as the "secret Safeway" because it's small, off the beaten path, and convenient to the university.

No date has been set for work to begin on the expansion project, says Mr. West.

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