Classic California grocery chain closes last stores after 49 years

Another California grocer is going dark.

After nearly 50 years, O’Brien’s Market is calling it quits. The family-run grocery store will officially shut down its last two remaining stores after a 49-year run in central California.

The O’Brien gang told its beloved customers the markets will be coming to an end on its website as it announced owner Charles “Chuck” O’Brien will be heading into retirement after years of unpredictable sales.

“The current business climate has forced us to make some tough decisions. And the decision to retire both O’Brien’s Markets was the most difficult decision of all,” the statement said.

O’Brien’s Markets employs 117 workers who are set to lose their jobs by October. The two locations getting the boot: 4120 Dale Road and 839 W. Roseburg Ave.

The grocery stores said the Dale Road store will close down by October 4, 2026 “but no sooner.” The Roseburg spot may potentially remain open as a notice was given to The Modesto Focus alerting employees to a potential, outside buyer. 

If the deal goes through, the purchaser could hire the existing employees. If the talks fail, the store will shut by September 26. It’s not clear whether the negotiations will apply to the Dale Road location.

Over the near 50-year run, the longtime favorite regional grocery chain grew to three locations across California’s Central Valley. Shoppers chose from either one in Riverbank or two in Modesto. The Riverbank location closed down in July 2024 and was sold to Cost Less Food Company.

As the closures are in effect, shoppers can score up to 24% off storewide as the market is launching a “company-wide retirement party.” According to the statement, everything is fair game except items like gift cards, Starbucks, lottery stamps, custom cakes and more.

Shoppers around the city all expressed sadness on its Facebook page where the grocer also announced the closure.

“I will miss O’Brians store so much! The deli, having fresh brewed coffee with a donut or croissant, then shopping for essentials [especially] on a rainy day was just delightful for me. [Thanks] for the memory,” one shopper wrote.

Another added, “Time flies, end of an era.” A third commented, “I too am going to miss O’Brien’s been going there forever.”

Another California grocery chain is calling it quits in The Golden State — discount favorite Grocery Outlet. The retailer announced in a March earnings call that it will close down 36 stores across the country with California shoppers losing eight locations.

While the company has not revealed a full list of stores that have closed, locations were made available by restructuring and investment firm Gordon Brothers. The leases show eight California locations are up for grabs as they have closed down since July 2026:

• 315 Panno Drive, Brawley
• 350 N. 2nd Street, El Cajon
• 14868 West Whitesbridge Avenue, Kerman
• 2001 West Whittier Blvd, La Habra
• 4420 Ontario Mills Parkway, Ontario
• 2900 Sperry Ave, Patterson
• 13345 Poway Rd, Poway
• 120 N. China Lake Blvd, Ridgecrest

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