Today, Long Beach welcomed its very first Gelson’s Market to the city’s list of high-end super markets in the area. This brand new market, located on PCH and 2nd, opened this morning to the public with a bang. Over 400 people lined the streets hoping to get their hands on one of the 200 gift bags that Gelson’s was handing out. This excited crowd began lining up as early as 5am.
The store itself is absolutely gorgeous. Every single thing is brand new. According to Stacy Barthel, the equipment and construction purchaser for Gelsons, “the only thing left for us to build on was the back wall, everything else started from the dirt-up.”
This store provides all its specialties in the front of the store for easy access. The very first thing you are greeted by is the beautiful arrangements from the Floral Department. To your immediate left is the highly anticipated Bakery. Renaud's Bakery & Coffee Bar is a very popular bakery located in Santa Barbara that has teamed up with Gelson’s to serve up its delicious French pastries and treats. As you keep moving to the left you find, my favorite, the full-service deli. This deli has a large selection of hot foods and a self-serve bar. The deli also is introducing Wolfgang Puck Express, offering brick oven pizzas made fresh right before your eyes. It also includes on of the most exciting things this store has to offer, a wine bar. The Gateway Wine Bar is located right in the front of the deli for its customers to try some of the select wines and beers Gelson’s has in its arsenal. While guests are sampling beverages, the wine bar offers a selection of hot and cold small plate options to balance out the wine and beer.
Find out what's happening in Belmont Shore-Napleswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Gelson’s Long Beach also offers a small but stylish rooftop dining area over looking Alamitos Bay. Shoppers can grab a pastry from the Bakery or some delicious freshly made sandwiches from the Deli and enjoy the beautiful sites of the bay.
Gelson’s is known for being a spectacular market in other popular Southern California cities. This store is truly out-doing itself and every other high-end supermarket in the area. The list of things that Gelson’s offers goes on and on. The super friendly staff is determined to please and help every single customer that walks through their doors and, today, I really saw it. Jeff Stein, a member of Gelson’s opening team, welcomed not only myself, but also the majority of people waiting in the massive line with a friendly hello and an excited grin on his face. The staff was truly excited to showcase all that this new store has to offer.
Find out what's happening in Belmont Shore-Napleswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The store is open daily from 7am to 10pm. Stop by Gelson's on your way home or even if you are just stopping by. It is really something to see.