Smart & Final grand opening in South Lake Tahoe starts with $5,000 donation

Smart & Final Extra! held a grand opening on January 18, marking their return to South Lake Tahoe. The new store was built in the former home of Staples after they closed in June, 2016. There was a complete overhaul of the 24,000 square foot store from the foundation up.

The Smart & Final Extra! format stores include everything from the previous Smart & Final stores that people are familiar with from their previous time in South Lake Tahoe, but now there is the addition of household-sized products and fresh, organic produce.

Prior to their grand opening, Smart & Final team members joined up with Tahoe Youth & Family Services (TYFS) with a fundraiser Saturday in front of Azul at Heavenly Village. The store provided coffee, hot chocolate, cookies and trail mix for sale along with free samples of the trail mix and vegetarian chili cooked on site. Over $300 was raised for the agency who have provided services for local children and families since 1971.

During Wednesday's grand opening, TYFS was presented with the proceeds as well as a check for $2,500. Another $2,500 check was presented to Lake Tahoe Unified School District.

The store will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. The address is 2061 Lake Tahoe Blvd.