GALT, CA (MPG) - Galt Food Center, the successor of local institution Galt Supermarket, held a grand opening on May 4 to celebrate the completion of renovation work.

Despite heavy rain, groups of visitors crowded under the eaves and a temporary canopy for tacos and giveaways of toys and other products. A mariachi band played outside the store. Another, stationed inside near the bananas, cucumbers and avocados, serenaded customers doing their shopping.

The Lee family, which had owned Galt Supermarket for nearly 53 years, sold the business in October 2022, citing inflation, supply chain issues and difficulty hiring as their reasons. The business was founded in 1947.

New owner Tony Ali said he is from the community of Madison near Woodland. Ali’s goal in coming to Galt was to “do great business in a great town with great people.”

“Since I took over the business, I work day and night to make the difference and I’m so happy to have my business in this city. It’s a very nice city and I love it.”

The renovation process took about 18 months to finish.

“We changed everything,” Ali said. 

The interior includes new flooring, shelving and checkout areas, and the exterior received a fresh paint job.

Galt Food Center still offers many of the same products as its predecessor, with meat, produce and groceries, as well as Chinese food.

Ali said he has seen a positive response from patrons, who he said are “so excited” by the renovated store. He also complimented the Lees for their closeness to the community.

Galt Mayor Paul Sandhu participated in a ribbon-cutting at the front door. He spoke about his impressions of the store.

“It’s totally different … much cleaner,” Sandhu said. “Even the outside, they did very good and it was excellent.”

Sandhu said Galt City Council welcomes Galt Food Center to the city.

Ali said customers see that Galt Food Center is “trying to give them good prices, good quality, to keep them happy. … I told all my team here that our job is to serve the community.”

Galt Food Center, at 814 A St., is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call 209-745-1397.