Grocery Outlet to Close 36 Stores, Contra Costa Locations Spared

Emeryville-based discount grocer to shutter underperforming stores, but six locations in Contra Costa County will remain open.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Grocery Outlet, the Emeryville-based discount grocery chain, announced plans to close 36 of its 536 stores across the United States, including 9 in California. However, the 6 Grocery Outlet locations in Contra Costa County - in Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Pinole, Richmond, and San Pablo - are not included in the list of closures.

Why it matters

The decision to close underperforming stores is part of Grocery Outlet's broader "Optimization Plan" to improve profitability and operations. While some California stores will be shuttered, the Contra Costa locations appear to be performing well enough to remain open, a positive sign for the local communities they serve.

The details

Grocery Outlet cited consumer pressures, delayed federal benefits, and increased competition as factors behind its fourth-quarter losses in 2025. The company is now focused on "delivering clearer value and a better in-store experience" by closing 36 financially underperforming stores, terminating leases, and restructuring its independent operator agreements.

  • Grocery Outlet announced the Optimization Plan on March 2, 2026.
  • The store closures are expected to be substantially completed during fiscal year 2026.

The players

Grocery Outlet

An Emeryville-based discount grocery chain with over 560 stores across the United States.

Jason Potter

President and CEO of Grocery Outlet.

Fadi Fayad and Kelly Talaie

The current owner/operators of the Grocery Outlet store in Antioch.

Greg and Lori Pitts

The current owner/operators of the Grocery Outlet store in Brentwood.

Matt and Karen Amaro

The current owner/operators of the Grocery Outlet store in Oakley.

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What they’re saying

“We made progress on our strategic priorities in 2025; however, our fourth-quarter results made clear that we have more work to do, and we're moving quickly.”

— Jason Potter, President and CEO of Grocery Outlet (Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.)

What’s next

Grocery Outlet is expected to provide more details on the specific store closures in the coming weeks as it works to complete the Optimization Plan during fiscal year 2026.

The takeaway

While Grocery Outlet is taking steps to improve its overall financial performance, the decision to keep its Contra Costa County stores open is a positive sign for the local communities that rely on these affordable grocery options.