Through the Years
1952
Mike Piccinini and Nick Tocco open the first Save Mart Supermarket in Modesto, California a 6,000 sq.ft. store on Crows Landing
1982
Bob Piccinini, Mike’s son, acquires Save Mart Supermarkets and embarks on a growth strategy as new CEO
1986
The FoodMaxx store banner brand launches in Bakersfield, California
1988
Save Mart opens SunnySide Farms Dairy plant in Turlock, California
1989
The Save Mart Companies (“TSMC”) enters the Bay Area Market with 27 stores
1992
TSMC becomes the title sponsor of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Cup Series race in Sonoma, beginning what is now one of the longest running partnerships in NASCAR history
2003
TSMC acquires 25 stores and rebrands them as FoodMaxx, more than doubling the FoodMaxx brand, growing our footprint in California to the North and South
2005
TSMC launches The CARES Foundation, our charitable non-profit organization nourishing the communities we serve
2007
TSMC acquires 130 stores in Northern California and Western Nevada, reintroducing the storied and loved Lucky brand to the Bay Area
2011
The iconic “super sized” Shopping Cart stands 12 1/2 ft tall and is powered by a 454 Chevy Big-Block engine and turbo 400 transmission, delivering 520 horsepower. Big Red made her debut in 2011 and is still going strong today, making over 100 appearances per year, loved by all when they see her and hear her engine rev
2019
Save Mart opens flagship store in the company’s hometown of Modesto
2020
TSMC store associates recognized as critical essential workers and supported communities throughout the global pandemic
2021
Lucky California’s flagship location opens in Pleasanton, California
2022
The re-imagined “Turn 11” Piccinini Plaza at Sonoma Raceway opens at the Save Mart 350 NASCAR event weekend, celebrating Store Managers and their families
2023
TSMC launches its Retail Media Network - broadening its digital footprint, accelerating and deepening supplier partner relationships, and providing shoppers with value, personalization, and a complete omnichannel experience
2024
The Save Mart Companies joins The Jim Pattison Group, continuing with Shane Sampson’s leadership and remaining steadfast in delivering on continuous growth, innovation, and competitiveness, along with providing more value for our customers and growing units together with our supplier partners
2025
The Save Mart Companies welcomes the Roth’s and Chuck’s Fresh Markets to our family of stores in January, growing our West Coast presence into the great Pacific Northwest and providing for families up and down Highway 5.