During its colorful history, San Bernardino County has been the setting for some epic firsts that have played important roles in society. This is especially true when it comes to food.
On Dec. 12, 1948, brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald converted their barbecue restaurant on E Street into a fast-food enterprise by introducing their Speedee Service System, creating the first McDonald’s.
Glen Bell, inspired by the brothers’ success, opened Taco Tia in 1954 at Base Line in San Bernardino, and in 1962 the first Taco Bell in Downey.
In 1952, Neal Baker, a friend of Glen Bell’s and an admirer of the McDonald’s, opened the first Baker’s Drive Thru in San Bernardino. This local chain now has 39 stores in the Inland Empire and the High Desert.
Besides eateries, this region has also played a role with businesses that supplied much of the food served at these popular fast-food meccas.
San Bernardino pioneer George Ralphs, started a little grocery store in Los Angeles with his brother in 1873. Ralphs Grocery Company evolved into one of the first chain stores in the United States and has helped establish the concept of today’s supermarket.
Not to be outdone, twin brothers Cleo and Leo Stater purchased a small grocery store in Yucaipa and in 1936 opened the first Stater Bros. market.
While these aforementioned food businesses may be common knowledge to many of our readers, there is another San Bernardino first that may come as a surprise — Food 4 Less.
The first Food 4 Less opened in August 1988 near the corner of E and 2nd streets in San Bernardino.
Food 4 Less, along with its sister company Food Co., is owned by Kroger. It is a no-frills store where the customers bag their own groceries.
On Oct. 27, an ’80s-themed anniversary celebration was held in Los Angeles, honoring the market’s 35 years of service. Company associates, customers and community partners attended.
The same day, the grocery retailer presented a donation to Los Angeles Southwest Community College for supporting its food pantry and hunger relief efforts.
The 35-year anniversary event also honored the commitment of associates who have been part of the company’s legacy since the first store opened in San Bernardino.
Bryan Kaltenbach, president of Food 4 Less/Foods Co., announced that day:
“Since 1988, Food 4 Less has been a pillar of our communities, providing affordable, high-quality groceries to our valued customers. We are grateful that we are able to savor this milestone by celebrating with our committed long-standing associates, customers and partners. As we look ahead, our commitment to delivering exceptional value and service remains stronger than ever. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and here’s to many more years of serving your families with love and care.”
Anthony Culpepper, president of Los Angeles Community College District, was one of the dignitaries who attended the event and gave a speech applauding the philanthropic contribution from the company.
The donation “is integral so that Los Angeles Southwest Community College can continue providing its basic needs resource program” to students who need it most.
Food 4 Less/Foods Co. works closely with regional food banks to connect its neighbors with the food they need to thrive, which is part of its mission.
Through a combination of strategically directed funding and donations of surplus food from its stores, the retailer is taking steps to support those working to fight hunger.
Today, Food 4 Less/Foods Co. includes more than 9,000 associates serving customers in 121 warehouse-format supermarkets under the banners Food 4 Less in Southern California, Illinois and Indiana, and Foods Co. in Central and Northern California.
You can contact Nick Cataldo at Yankeenut15@gmail.com and read more of his local history articles at Facebook.com/BackRoadsPress.
