On Saturday morning September 7th, the Grocery Outlet Bargain Market on the corner of Imperial Highway and Santa Gertrudes Avenue in La Mirada officially celebrated its grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Chamber of Commerce and local city officials. Amanda Paez and Steven Hernandez, the new owners of the store, have already embedded themselves into the local community.

Steve and Amanda are two Navy veterans that served our nation overseas. They are a young couple that had a dream of owning their own business. Eight years ago, after giving birth to their daughter, Amanda was deployed on a tour that kept her away from the family. During this time, Steve worked at the Grocery Outlet in San Diego and took care of their daughter. After her tour of duty, Amanda also joined her husband in the grocery business. As the years rolled by they diligently worked at saving their money in hope of opening up a business someday.

Well, that day arrived this past May when Grocery Outlet corporate headquarters offered them an opportunity to purchase the Grocery Outlet store in La Mirada. The store had originally opened up the previous year but had not done well and the company was looking for an owner that was more experienced in the grocery business. Since they took over management of the store, sales and customer counts began to increase in just a few months.

They have quickly adapted their skill set to meet the needs of the La Mirada customer, as well as customers that live in the South Whittier area. They are tech-savvy with social media marketing and by being open to not just joining the La Mirada Chamber of Commerce, they have been embraced by the community and its local leaders. You can also see them at many a community events like the Concert Under the Stars this past Summer as well as Dulles Elementary School’s “Back to School Night” events. We hope and pray for their continued success as they grow into the La Mirada “family of business”.