The City of Pinole learned Tuesday that Safeway will close its store at Appian 80 on April 4.
The impending closure has the city initiating discussions with the property owner for the next steps for the site. The city hopes another grocery store will move in there. City officials say the owner of the shopping center, which is located just off Interstate 80 and Appian Way, indicated to the city that it is seeking a new grocery store for the space.
“We recognize that this announcement presents challenges for both Safeway employees and the many residents who rely on this store, and we are committed to supporting our community during this transition,” city officials said in a statement.
In 2023, Balboa Retail Partners purchased the 91,000 square foot Appian 80, which had been rebranded as Pinole Square. Safeway and CVS anchored the shopping center for over five decades. There were plans to develop the site with a project that included a new Safeway with a gas station, but that is no longer in the works.
“Under the previous ownership, development entitlements were secured for a project that included a new Safeway with a gas station, junior anchors, and additional retail tenants,” city officials said. “In June 2022, the Pinole City Council approved an extension of these entitlements, which remained valid through June 2023. However, following their purchase of the property in early 2023, the new owner elected not to proceed with the previously approved project, allowing the entitlements to expire.”
