Ralphs- Sepulveda and Vanowen, Van Nuys

storewanderer · Post by **storewanderer** » 03 Nov 2006 05:48

Good photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgroi/254667883/

Interior may be leftover from Alpha Beta. The floor most certainly was.

Actually I just enlarged the photo of the liquor alcove and see a fixture that says "Lower prices higher standards." This must not be leftover wall decor from Alpha Beta. Darn.

runchadrun · Post by **runchadrun** » 03 Nov 2006 09:24

I've been driving by this store just about every evening of late but with the time change last weekend it's now dark when I drive by I also noticed that the lights are still on. The sign package is the same one that Ralphs hurriedly put up in a few days as they converted Alpha Beta stores over to the Ralphs format. They were obviously quick and cheap solutions and this store was apparently never remodeled in the 10+ years it was a Ralphs.

It's located on the corner of Sepulveda and Vanowen. It had been listed on the Kroger Real Estate web site as being available but it's no longer listed.

Post by **Groceteria** » 03 Nov 2006 12:21

Here's a 2004 picture of that store when it was still open as Ralphs:

Jeff · Post by **Jeff** » 03 Nov 2006 20:09

The Covina Ralphs was like this too. I dont know if it has been since remodeled, as the plans to move it a few blocks down has failed. It was an alpha-beta location too.

runchadrun · Post by **runchadrun** » 02 Aug 2007 20:12

Fresh & Easy is moving into this location. An application was just filed with the ABC. So far, this is the only Fresh & Easy in the SFV that I'm aware of and since I'm always in that area, it's one I'll be able to shop at.

(Hat tip to la.curbed.com for the catch.)

runchadrun · Post by **runchadrun** » 06 Feb 2008 22:34

An update on this store...a large "Available" banner has appeared over the last week next to the empty Ralphs oval. Whether that applies to the former Alpha Beta/Ralphs or other stores in the small shopping center I don't know. The Fresh & Easy liquor license is still in a pending status though.

luckysaver · Post by **luckysaver** » 07 Feb 2008 13:25

That Covina store mentioned by Jeff above is also a former AB (425 S Citrus). The old blue-grey AB interior remains (which means it has not been remodeled yet) and its ABC license is registered to "Alpha Beta Company", a phantom subsidiary of Ralphs that operates all Ralphs/FFL stores that were former AB's. If you look very carefully at the oval above the store entry, you'll find the 1990's (Burkle era) Alpha Beta labelscar. The other giveaway is the H-sign next to Millies Restaurant, as 1970's era AB's used H-shaped signs for their oval logo.

luckysaver

storewanderer · Post by **storewanderer** » 07 Feb 2008 17:49

Some interior photos of this Covina unremodeled AB would be a good addition.

Are there already any photos posted anywhere else of that interior in that or another store?

runchadrun · Post by **runchadrun** » 22 Feb 2008 01:54

I spoke too soon about the Van Nuys store. On Sunday when I drove by the store was intact. Tonight (Thursday) when I drove by it was completely gutted. The security guard chased me away after only a few pictures. He didn't understand why I wanted pictures of old tile.

Here are pictures:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10500064@N06/2283397874/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10500064@N06/2283397872/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10500064@N06/2283397864/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10500064@N06/2283397860/

Update:
Here's another picture I took the next morning in the dark where you can see some of the tile detail
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10500064@N06/2286534104/

Groceteria.com

Ralphs- Sepulveda and Vanowen, Van Nuys

Ralphs- Sepulveda and Vanowen, Van Nuys

Re: Ralphs- Sepulveda and Vanowen, Van Nuys

Re: Ralphs- Sepulveda and Vanowen, Van Nuys

Re: Ralphs- Sepulveda and Vanowen, Van Nuys

Re: Ralphs- Sepulveda and Vanowen, Van Nuys