Veteran
Re: Rancho Cucamonga chain grocer history
RandallFlagg wrote:Also the listing for Smart and Final. It was originally opened by a great old man named Mel. It opened as an independent and was called Sunrise Market. He built that whole corner a bit at a time.
Had a feeling it had been something else prior to S & F.

Ad in the real estate section of the LA Times this weekend...this entire center is for sale.

My first impression would have been Safeway...with the tile overhang, and rectangular sign.

Ad states:

"Anchored by Smart & Final, located at the signalized intersection of Base Line & Carnelian. Long term, diverse tenant mix, keeps this center very busy. High traffic count, approx 29,767 cars per day."

Ha! An approximate car count?! Sounds more exact!
Veteran
Re: Rancho Cucamonga chain grocer history
Correcting the spelling on the name of the center - Sunrize.

Mel may have called it that because the center is perched on an area of changing elevation and looking south towards Ontario Airport early in the morning, one might be able to catch a good sunrise. I don't know why he used a Z instead of an S in the spelling.

luckysaver
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