First Coachella Valley Gelson’s prepares for grand opening

A new grocery store is moving into the Coachella Valley, taking the place of what used to be a Haggen Grocery store in Rancho Mirage, boosting business in the area.

Gelson’s, a premier grocery store, is a first in the valley located at the corner of Bob Hope and Gerald Ford.

It’s opening Thursday, but we were allowed in before anyone else.

Gelson’s President and CEO Rob McDougall said their service is unlike any other grocery store.

“Gelson’s is all about fresh, all about service. And so we really set ourselves apart with those two things. We have more service clerks that are more highly trained and experts in their areas than anywhere else. So your cheese person knows all about cheese and your seafood person knows all about seafood,” McDougall said.

Gelson’s executive chef said they’re one of the few grocery stores that makes their prepared food in house.

“We have a carving cart, if you like roasted turkey or roast beef for dinner. There’s all kinds of hot food and a salad bar, fresh fruit, fresh greens, our own proprietary dressings,” said Peter Fiore.

Gelson’s kept all the Haggen associates, who would have otherwise lost their jobs.

“The ones that were your favorite checkers and clerks, they’re here. They’ve gone through an intensive Gelson’s class. So they understand things, because we do service different than they do,” McDougall said.

Local businesses are thrilled to have an anchor store in the shopping center again.

“I think it’s great. We miss having a grocery store here and I think it will be an asset to the whole shopping center,” said Kenny Wong, owner of Hair Biz.

Loyal customers are already coming by to check it out.

“I am just so thrilled, because I am just five minutes away from here. So I’m going to be coming here often with my dog,” said Grace Robbins, who lives in Cathedral City.

McDougall said more good things will be coming in the future.

“We want to get a wine and tapas bar for the customers. We really think that will resonate with the customer,” McDougall said.

The grand opening will be Thursday at 9 a.m.

The first 200 people will get a swag bag worth $20.

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