March 9, 2009

Cosentino closes

PW opens in Silver Creek

By Bill Highlander
Editor

Cosentino’s has sold its store in Canyon Creek Plaza. PW Supermarkets will open in the same space to serve Silver Creek and the Evergreen community. Cosentino’s will close its doors Wednesday evening, March 18; PW will reorder the store on March 19, then open for business on Friday, March 20.

Cosentino’s will close its doors Wednesday evening, March 18; PW will reorder the store on March 19, then open for business on Friday, March 20. Photo by Bill Highlander

After a period of readjustment, a Grand Opening will be scheduled in May.

The new signs will designate Joey Franco’s PW Silver Creek Grocery for customers in the Canyon Creek Plaza on Silver Creek Valley Road. Michael Stigers, president and chief operating officer of PW Supermarkets, said, “We are excited about serving the community. We have great employees and are committed to offering quality groceries and value.”

The company’s Web site states that PW strives to make a difference by providing superior quality, selection and service.

Ed Abelite, managing partner of Canyon Creek Plaza says, “PW will bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to the shopping center. There will be more volume.” He further stated that PW’s pricing structure is very competitive and that will appeal to shoppers.

The store manager will be Mike deJesus, a veteran of PW with 35 years of experience. The headcount has not been set, but employees will likely be a mixture of current Cosentino workers and PW employees from other stores. PW is accepting applications.

One change will be in store hours. The new Silver Creek Grocery will be open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Joey Franco emigrated from Italy with his parents in 1921. He started his first grocery in 1943 and the company now owns ten stores in California. Franco was a member of the San Jose Rotary and active in the community. He died in 2003. His daughters are still active in managing the company.

Participating in Escrip, PW markets have contributed more than $125,000 to local schools and have provided thousands of dollars in scholarships.

Dominic Cosentino opened a vegetable stand on Bascom Avenue in 1948. He and his family grew the business over the years, but recently closed the Santa Clara store and now with this sale, only the grocery on Bascom remains.