Stephanie and Greg Ashworth, owners and operators of the South Citrus Heights Grocery Outlet, prepare to cut the ribbon and make their store opening official. Photo courtesy of Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – Thursday, April 2, was not a typical morning for shoppers in Sunrise Village. Music pulsed throughout the shopping center, while vendors offering snack and drink samples, prize wheels and coffee lined the pedestrian path to Citrus Heights’ newest Grocery Outlet location.

Shoppers entered the grocery store through an archway of yellow, red, and orange balloons. Grocery Outlet employees personally greeted customers, ensuring each received a shopping cart and that it was collected on the way out.

Outside, excitement radiated throughout the parking lot as employees, family members, public officials and community members gathered for the store’s ribbon-cutting, hosted by the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce. Vendors present included Electrolit, Yerba Madre, Takis, Novamex and Old Soul Coffee Co.

Novamex booth at the Grocery Outlet event handed out free Mexican sodas, including popular brand Jarritos to shoppers and potential customers. Photo by Abbey Wicks

Stephanie and Greg Ashworth, owners of the South Citrus Heights Grocery Outlet, shared their excitement and pride in operating not just any store, but a Grocery Outlet, with the crowd.

“Sometimes I feel like there’s certain times in life (that are) the right time for the right things,” Greg Ashworth said. “Things happen for a reason.”

The couple expressed their gratitude to Grocery Outlet for a smooth journey that began a year ago, and to the Citrus Heights community for its support and warm welcome.

“This is here for the community…for all of you,” Stephanie Ashworth said.

In celebration of the store opening, the Ashworth’s presented a $1,000 check to Citrus Heights Police Activities League (PAL), a nonprofit organization focused on creating positive relationships between youth in the community and officers in the Citrus Heights Police Department. They care about reducing juvenile crime by encouraging kids to make better choices and to stay away from drugs and alcohol.

PAL Coordinator Rachel Turcott (left) and CHPD Special Services Division Commander and PAL President Kris Frye (right) accept a check of $1,000 from Grocery Outlet owners Stephanie and Greg Ashworth. Photo by Abbey Wicks

“We strive to bridge the gap (between youth and law enforcement) and mentor, develop, train and educate,” said Chris Bryan, CHPD Special Services Division Commander and president of the Police Activities League, who accepted the check on behalf of PAL alongside PAL Coordinator Rachel Turcott.

“Every single time I’ve come into Grocery Outlet, I’ve been amazed at the professionalism and service that I see in the associates,” Bryan said.

Following the presentation of the check, the ribbon-cutting was led by Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sheri Merrick. Public service officials presented the new owners with certificates of recognition from their respective offices including Assemblyman Josh Hoover, Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez, Congressman Ami Bera and Senator Roger Niello.

The presenters emphasized the importance of affordability during a time when grocery prices have skyrocketed. Grocery Outlet sells name-brand items for up to 60 percent off, according to its website. Grocery Outlet locations are stocked with produce, meat, dairy, pantry stable item, frozen foods and alcohol including beer and wine.

Grocery Outlet, located at 5409 Sunrise Blvd., will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

A Grocery Outlet employee runs the Grocery Outlet “Wheel of Bargains” booth offering prizes such as stickers, notepads and the grand prize: up to $1,000 in free groceries. Photo by Abbey Wicks