Willow Glen Resident

News

Status of vacant Albertsons in Willow Glen still unknown

By Alicia Upano

The Food Partners, a Washington, D.C.-based investment banking firm, is helping Albertsons divest itself of 39 underperforming California stores, including three in the Willow Glen area.

The Albertsons at 1409 Bird Ave., 1792 Southwest Expressway and 3051 Meridian Ave. have been empty for weeks.

Zanotto's Downtown Market co-owner Troy Tibbils has his eye on the Bird Avenue store, sparking interest throughout the community. Not only would Zanotto's fulfill the desire for a specialty grocer in the neighborhood, but it would boost the appeal of the Willow Glen Village Shopping Center, neighbors said.

However, Zanotto's future in Willow Glen is not certain. The Food Partners welcomed bidders for the Bird Avenue store in early August. The investment banking firm declined comment, and Zanotto's is waiting to hear on the status of its bid.

Originally, Tibbils believed Albertsons' lease was expiring in a matter of months, not years. But the Albertsons store has a lease until 2008, with extension rights, according to Ted Peterson of Asset Management Group, the shopping center's property manager.

Ideally, the property management company would like to control the space and lease it to the most desirable tenant, Peterson said.

Asset Management Group envisions improving the center with high-interest tenants, Peterson said. Originally, the company believed an Albertsons remodel could create that atmosphere. Now that the store is closed, the company hopes a community-supported anchor tenant will move in.

"The property would be brought up, and the community will be the beneficiaries," Peterson said.

To that end, the company has also recruited Mojo Burger to move into the center. The restaurant plans to create a lively outdoor dining atmosphere.

Both Mojo Burger and Zanotto's representatives expressed excitement about being in the center, and said the businesses would complement each other.

"I think Willow Glen's the right kind of community for that kind of business--they serve families with a high-quality product," Tibbils said of Mojo Burger. "It's exactly what we do."

Tibbils is confident Zanotto's would be a good addition to Willow Glen. If its bid is accepted, Tibbils said, the store could open within six to eight weeks once all the leasing documents are completed. He would like to put out the welcome mat by November.