Save-A-Lot enters Hispanic supermarket venture

ST. LOUIS Save-A-Lot announced that it has teamed up with Hispanic grocery operator Rafael Ortega to form a new company, Adventure Supermarkets. The new company owns and operates six former Save-A-Lot stores in the Houston and South Texas markets under a co-branded format, “El Ahorro Save-A-Lot.”

"We are always looking for innovative opportunities to bring the Save-A-Lot brand to local communities, and we think this affiliation best enables us to serve the Hispanic community in this area," said Bill Shaner, Save-A-Lot president and CEO. “This relationship is a new business model for the company. Combining Mr. Ortega’s local insights with the power of the Save-A-Lot network of stores and exclusive-label expertise will enhance our ability to provide our Hispanic customers in this part of the country with the products and services they need and want, while positioning the Save-A-Lot brand for growth.”

Ortega has 24 years of experience in serving the Hispanic community in Texas and currently owns and operates 15 El Ahorro Supermarkets and almost 100 La Michoacana Meat Markets, Save-A-Lot reported.

“I am pleased about joining with Save-A-Lot in this opportunity and excited about the potential of our new, blended format,” said Rafael Ortega.