Pavilions store on California and Lake (Photo – W.K.)
Pavilions, the grocery store at 845 E. California Blvd. in Pasadena, will close after nearly five decades of serving the surrounding community.
By Janine Tedros
The Southern California Division of Albertsons Companies announced that Pavilions store #2224 is expected to close to the public effective September 5, 2026, marking the end of a longtime neighborhood supermarket relied upon by residents, students, and nearby businesses.
According to sources familiar with the store’s operations, the location has struggled financially for several years. Albertsons said the closure follows the expiration of the store’s lease and a broader evaluation of store performance and financial expectations.
In a statement to our newsroom confirming the closure, Albertsons said the decision was made as the store’s lease comes to an end. The company said it “carefully considered” its options before deciding to close the location, adding that it continuously evaluates store performance and that “occasionally it’s necessary to close locations that do not meet financial expectations.”
The company noted that Pavilions and Vons have served Pasadena for 48 years and emphasized that it remains committed to the community through its other nearby Vons locations.
The closure is expected to have a significant impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Businesses in and around the shopping center could see reduced customer traffic because Pavilions has long served as a major draw for shoppers. The store has also been an important resource for nearby residents and for students at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), many of whom rely on its convenient location within walking distance of campus.
Albertsons said its priority is supporting employees through the transition and that it is working to identify opportunities for affected associates at nearby stores, consistent with applicable laws and labor agreements.
As word of the closure spreads, shoppers are expected to visit Pavilions in search of bargains as inventory is reduced ahead of the shutdown.
Pavilions is a supermarket banner operated by Vons, the Southern California division of Albertsons Companies. While part of the Vons family, Pavilions stores are generally positioned as a more upscale grocery format, offering a wider selection of organic products, wine, and specialty foods.
For many Pasadena residents, the closure represents more than the loss of a grocery store—it marks the end of a longtime neighborhood institution that has served generations of shoppers.
[This article has been updated to include a statement from Albertsons regarding the closure of the Pavilions store in Pasadena. July 8, 2026. 4:50 pm.]
Bummer. I shopped here because they had higher quality meat and also because they did not lock up all the personal products as does Ralph’s on Huntington and Atlantic. Now I’ll go to Ralph’s across from Rusnak, and TJs
Frank is the man. This is a huge bummer. Like giant. My family and I use it almost every day. Xmas morning, when we forgot milk. Last-minute wine for get-togethers. Ingredient shopping. Yes, it is a generic grocery store, but it was part of the fabric of the neighborhood. It needs to be replaced with another grocery store.
Pavilions, owned by Albertsons, has a history of blocking other grocers from operating on its previous sites through the use of restrictive covenants and restrictive clauses. Does anyone know if this is the case here? Tahoe City is currently fighting this issue.
Another place for the homeless to sleep! Yippee
Oh wow – that is not great. That store is huge, so now there will be a giant vacant building. Let me guess – private equity strikes again.
Aww gonna miss Pavillions less then a block from me on California
Best to Manager Frank and staff ❤️
Sad to hear this