This is a list of all chain grocery locations my research has uncovered in San Francisco between 1928 and 1999, compiled from city directories, telephone books, and other sources. There may be some omissions due to incomplete or missing data, etc. and I welcome suggestions and corrections. Please read about my methodology for more information about what I do and do not include.
View and download a copy of this location spreadsheet via Google Sheets.
Updated on 26 November 2022
Donald B. Witzke, Ph.D.
September 27, 2020 at 4:46pmTo David Gwynn
HOME > PLACES > US – CALIFORNIA > SAN FRANCISCO CITY/COUNTY > SAN FRANCISCO CHAIN GROCERY/SUPERMARKET LOCATIONS, 1928-1999
San Francisco Chain Grocery/Supermarket Locations, 1928-1999
This is a list of all known chain grocery addresses in San Francisco between 1928 and 1999, compiled from city directories, telephone books, and other sources. It is generated through a live Google Spreadsheet so it reflects the latest information I have.
You left out the Safeway on West side of Castro Street. We rented a hall that was previously a dance studio above the Safeway & opened it as a Table Tennis center (We also lived in rooms facing Castro street). It was rented in the name of Lee Butler from 1948-49 until we left in about 1952. On the other side of our table tennis center was an Italian delicatessen. I’m not quite sure of the exact date (about 70 years), but we & our table tennis center were surly there. Also, the Safeway store was open all the time we lived there.
Groceteria
September 27, 2020 at 4:53pmIt sounds like you mean the location at 476 Castro, which is indeed on the list and operated as a Safeway from approximately 1935 to the early 1950s. It later was the valley Pride Market, which lasted until the late 1990s or early 2000s.
Brian Skafica
December 19, 2021 at 6:33pmI never knew Albertsons partnered with Payless Drugs at a then-newly-built combination store in San Francisco back in 1967. I remember from Albertsons publications and other sources that they bought Sugarhouse Drug in Salt Lake City in 1957 to start their new, large, combination stores concept. Today, Albertsons Companies is still behind Kroger in the number of stores, but the Albertsons chain was no longer serving San Francisco by the 2010s. I think Albertsons was, and still is, a great supermarket chain, serving neighborhoods big and small and a favorite with families throughout their marketing area.