Vallarta Supermarkets crosses state lines for the first time in 40 years

After four decades of operating exclusively in California, family-owned Latino grocer Vallarta Supermarkets is expanding into Arizona. The move signals a major new growth phase for the company, starting with a store in Glendale set to open in January 2026.

• The next chapter: "This is more than just a store opening, it's the next chapter in Vallarta's story," Lizette Gomez, Vallarta's Director of Marketing, said in a statement. "We've built our reputation on authenticity, quality, and community, and we're proud to bring that to Arizona for the very first time."

• A signature experience: Vallarta plans to replicate the full sensory experience that has become its hallmark, featuring the scent of fresh tortillas from its in-house Tortillería and the aroma of its famous Carne Asada. Glendale Mayor Jerry P. Weiers called the expansion a "big win" for the city, citing the creation of up to 200 jobs and new, unique flavors for the community.

The Glendale store isn't a one-off experiment. It's the start of a major push into the state, with the company planning to open 10 to 15 Arizona locations in the next five to 10 years, as first reported by the Phoenix Business Journal. Vallarta is betting that its deep cultural specialization and immersive in-store experience will allow it to carve out a strong niche in Arizona's competitive grocery market.