The Supermarket in Encino

Gelson's

By: Sherry Robbin

Having grown up in Encino and residing here most of my life, I have been an enthusiastic and committed Gelson’s shopper (you might say a “regular”) for as long as I can remember.  While other stores have come and gone (Piggily Wiggily, the Continental, and Jurgensen’s, to name a few), Gelson’s lives on and continues to be one of the premier supermarket chains in Southern California.  The reason?  Gelson’s staff makes the whole shopping experience feel like a family affair. In fact, many of the checkers are on a first name basis with the customers.  Dave, who has been with the store for over 21 years, never fails to greet with a smile on his face and possesses a sincere interest in how your day is going.

The Encino branch opened their doors on March 16, 1960 and is the chain’s oldest existing store.  Bernie Gelson, one of the market’s co-founders, could always be found in the store welcoming his customers.  Some locals even worked at the store as their first job.  Several regular celebrity shoppers, including the Jackson family, have been making Gelson’s their shopping destination for over 30 years.

Gelson’s was one of the first supermarkets in California to present fully cooked, ready to eat food.  In addition to the Service Deli, there is a self-service salad bar, a Wolfgang Puck Express Unit, a Sushi concession, and a Carving Cart, consisting of fresh carved turkey and prime rib.  As an added attraction, there is a “Simply Delicious” collection of holiday meals for your holiday needs.  Gelson’s superior Meat Department is staffed by professional meat cutters who are happy to handle “on-the-spot” requests and suggest cooking tips and recipes.  There is a fully equipped liquor section offering a fine array of wines, some of which are featured as “wines of the week” at specially discounted prices.  Don’t forget to ask for Ken.  Viktor Benes European Bakery is a favorite destination of mine.  They bake a popular Challah bread for Rosh Hashanah and are known for their great assortment of birthday cakes.  Don’t miss the Gelato area  adjoining the bakery!

If quality and exceptional service is what you are looking for in a happy, family oriented environment, Gelson’s should be at the top of your list.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!

Gelson’s Encino branch is located at the southeast corner of Hayvenhurst Ave. and Ventura Blvd.  For more information and additional locations, visit Gelson’s at www.gelsons.com

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