Updated 2 January 2026 (Originally published 6 January 2006)
Bakersfield is the southernmost and smallest of the major cities in California’s Central Valley, but it has an interesting chain supermarket history, including Safeway, Piggly Wiggly, A&P, Mayfair Markets, Albertsons, Thriftimart, and Alpha-Beta. Several local chains, including Young’s and Green Frog Emporium have also been players.
Bakersfield’s history is actually one of the most interesting of any city in California. I hope to complete a comprehensive history at some point in the future.