Not even rain could stop the Nov. 17 groundbreaking ceremony of the much-anticipated Grocery Outlet coming to the Rheem Valley Shopping Center at 576 Center Street.  Deacon Construction Company set up several canopies to keep attendees dry while the heavens showered the future building’s site as if to bless the event.  

    Property owner, US Realty Partners’ CEO Jay Kerner stated that adding a Grocery Outlet in Town was “a major step forward.  There’s just been one choice for groceries, and we are happy to provide Moraga with another choice.”  Kerner believes that the Grocery Outlet will be a catalyst for the rest of Rheem Valley Shopping Center with the goal being to deliver an upgraded center in the future.

     “The citizens of Moraga are really happy about this,” added Mayor Steve Woehleke.

    Eric Lindberg, Grocery Outlet’s chairman of the board stated, “This is very special to me, because I live in Lafayette.”  He will soon "only have to drive four miles” to shop at one of his stores.

    According to Deacon Project Manager Steve Boitano, there are three stages remaining before the expected mid-2026 grand opening.  At the moment, all the work is being done underground, such as site preparation, utility installation, and foundation construction.  The next stage is construction of the 17,404-square-foot building.  Lastly, interior elements are added like shelves, cash register stations, etc.

    Hopefully, this winter’s rains won’t delay the project for too long, but as the saying goes, “Good things come to those who wait.”