Dehoff's Key Market, part of Marsh Manor in Redwood City for about 20 years, is in its last week at that location, owner Chris Dehoff told the Almanac on Monday, Sept. 22.
"Our family will miss this location after having been there for so many years. We thank all of our great customers for all the years of loyal patronage," Mr. Dehoff said.
The store's lease recently expired and they were operating under a short-term agreement, according to Mr. Dehoff. Key Market's last day at Marsh Manor will be Saturday, Sept. 27. A new store, Delucchi's Market, will open at the same location in the shopping center at 3640 Florence St. off Marsh Road.
As to reports that the new store will, unlike Key Market, be non-unionized, Mr. Dehoff said he was "not sure what the new owners are going to do, but our employees are staying with us." The family-owned chain has stores in San Mateo and Redwood City; most of the employees will transfer to the Redwood City store on Upton Street, he said.
Comments
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Sep 23, 2014 at 9:56 am
on Sep 23, 2014 at 9:56 am
Sorry to see them go.
Nice store, good produce, great red skin potato salad.
However never very many customers.
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Sep 23, 2014 at 3:22 pm
on Sep 23, 2014 at 3:22 pm
The lease did not end recently. According to the market their lease ended five years ago and they've been on month to month since then. The new store is taking over the market lock stock and barrel likely opening up around Oct 1st. The Chavez Market at 5th and ECR used to be a Key Market.
Menlo Park: Fair Oaks
on Sep 23, 2014 at 6:04 pm
on Sep 23, 2014 at 6:04 pm
That's too bad - I've shopped there for years. I thought they were going to finally be making bank when 'Facebook City' was built. I hope Delucchi's has a little better prices (Probably not). Key was a little pricey, though I did love the Manager's Specials. I hope they KEEP 'Prairie Fresh' pork, and Raymond's bread selection. And I hope they put in a real Deli.
This explains why, when I went in there last week, they were LOW on a lot of things, which was totally unusual. I'll miss them, but I'm glad Mr. Dehoff is keeping his employees. That says a lot about him!
Menlo Park: Suburban Park/Lorelei Manor/Flood Park Triangle
on Sep 25, 2014 at 6:31 am
on Sep 25, 2014 at 6:31 am
COH: brace yourself for higher prices as this "new market" is supposed to be "high end", similar to Draeger's. The real story is that the owners of Marsh Manor recently doubled the rent, forcing Dehoff's out so they can open their own market.
And I'm pretty surprised it took the Almanac this long to report on the news, as we locals who shop there have known about this for a month.
Menlo Park: other
on Sep 25, 2014 at 12:43 pm
on Sep 25, 2014 at 12:43 pm
I found no Delucchi Market in either Redwood City nor San Mateo just a limited partnership incorporated last month in Portola Valley.
Menlo Park: Downtown
on Sep 25, 2014 at 12:56 pm
on Sep 25, 2014 at 12:56 pm
The information about Key Market's lease was given by the owner, Chris Dehoff. Key Market has stores in San Mateo and Redwood City.
Menlo Park: other
on Sep 25, 2014 at 1:01 pm
on Sep 25, 2014 at 1:01 pm
correction... key market has stores in Redwood City and San Mateo
Menlo Park: Fair Oaks
on Sep 27, 2014 at 7:24 pm
on Sep 27, 2014 at 7:24 pm
20 years? Seems like they've been there my whole life(35yrs). Pricy but convenient. I will support the Mexican markets around here as the name Delucchi's already sounds way more expensive.
Menlo Park: other
on Sep 28, 2014 at 3:04 pm
on Sep 28, 2014 at 3:04 pm
It is a real shame that this store was forced to close. I have shopped there for a long time, and have made many, many delicious meal from items I bought at its predecessor, Marsh Manor Market, then Key Market. The employees were are real joy and pleasure to deal with, every single one of them. They were always friendly and professional. They were also in a union. I have read that Delucci's employees will not be union -- for shame! Every single employee deserve decent wages and benefits, and proper and fair representation so they can work with management as equals -- not as powerless people who have no way to deal with their legitimate grievances. Think you don't like unions? Then please work endless 7-day weeks, or 16-hour days endlessly, and please don't complain when you need medical care and cannot afford it because your employer does not give you any benefits, especially not medical or retirement. People long ago died to get everyone these things.
I also have read that Delucci's will be an upscale store -- but the neighborhood it is in is not upscale. Delucci's will have a great location, but anyone operating a retail business there should understand and respect the demographics of that neighborhood.
It was the end of an era when Key Market closed. I am truly sad to see it close.
Menlo Park: Suburban Park/Lorelei Manor/Flood Park Triangle
on Sep 28, 2014 at 3:59 pm
on Sep 28, 2014 at 3:59 pm
Well said, Louise. I too question going upscale, when this location has typically served several working class neighborhoods. If you've ever been to Key Market on a week day between 4 and 7pm, you'd see who they are. Those customers will be lost once the new store opens, which is now posted as Thurs. Oct. 2. Prices will be higher than Key as they won't have the buying power of a small chain, and they'll more than likely have to factor in consulting fees to make up for their ZERO experience in the grocery business. They'll also need to factor in the costs of marketing their store to upscale neighborhoods like Lindenwood and Felton Gables, who might otherwise go to Draeger's, or to the nearby FB millionaires who would otherwise shop elsewhere. As for Key, yes, it needed an overhaul and I'm sure that the DeHoff family would have addressed that had they not been forced out by the doubling of their rent. Yes, their prices were higher than Safeway, but I always factor in the value of my time (saved) when choosing where to shop. I also factor in the quality of service I want to receive, and the great employees more than met my expectations for over 20 years. Delucci's has some big shoes to fill and much to prove. I want them to succeed, but am honestly not convinced that they've thought through everything, especially demographics. We'll just have to wait and see.....
Menlo Park: Fair Oaks
on Sep 28, 2014 at 8:51 pm
on Sep 28, 2014 at 8:51 pm
It is the DeHoffs kthat own the Key markets in Rwc and San Mateo. DeLuccis own marsh manor
Menlo Park: Felton Gables
on Oct 4, 2014 at 6:03 pm
on Oct 4, 2014 at 6:03 pm
I breezed though the new store this afternoon. It seems to have the same inventory but the prices are cosiderably higher. Poor location for an "upscale" grocery store and the working class people who live nearby won't be able to shop there. A big loss to the community. I was so shocked by the prices that I won't be shopping there either.