Food Access in Tahoe City
A closer look at grocery access, market competition, and what it could mean for the community.
An independent community resource providing information on local grocery access, market competition, and what it means for residents, workers, and visitors.
Overview
What’s Happening
Albertsons (parent company of Safeway) is reportedly attempting to sell the former Safeway property in Tahoe City with a restriction that may prevent another grocery store from opening at that location.
If implemented, this could leave Tahoe City with only one major grocery store.
Why it Matters
Limited grocery options in a high-demand town
Increased strain during peak seasons
Potential impact on pricing and availability
Affects residents, workers, and visitors
Broader Context
Similar land-use restrictions have been challenged in other communities across the West, where concerns were raised about limiting competition and access to essential goods.
Community input matters. If you care about grocery access and the future of Tahoe City, take a moment to share your perspective.
Your input helps highlight how this issue impacts the Tahoe City community.
If you would like to submit a complaint, use the button below to open the California Attorney General’s antitrust form. To make it easier, sample language is provided below that you can copy, paste, and personalize.
(Copy/Paste):
Company: Safeway / Albertsons
Address: 5918 Stoneridge Mall Rd, Pleasanton, CA 94588
I am a resident/visitor of Tahoe City, CA and am submitting a concern regarding potential anti-competitive practices.
Safeway/Albertsons has owned the property at 850 N Lake Blvd in Tahoe City for over a decade. There is concern that the property may be sold with a deed restriction preventing another grocery store from operating at that location.
If implemented, this could limit competition and leave Tahoe City with only one major grocery store. The nearest alternatives are in Truckee (approximately 13.7 miles away) and Kings Beach (approximately 9.2 miles away, also a Safeway).
As a small mountain town with significant seasonal demand, Tahoe City already experiences shortages of essential goods such as milk and produce. Limiting future grocery competition may further impact availability, pricing, and access for residents, workers, and visitors.
This issue affects the entire community, including year-round residents and the large number of visitors who rely on local grocery access.
Share Your Perspective.
Your input helps highlight how this issue impacts the Tahoe City community. Responses may be used to better understand community needs and demonstrate public interest.