Granny’s Grocery celebrates 100 years of community
by Brianna Smith
Granny’s Grocery & Deli will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Saturday, June 1.
Owners, Beth “Betty” and Voc Gregorian have been planning the celebration since they took over the business in January 2022. Live musicians will perform on the patio in front of the store and the first 100 people to arrive will receive a free Granny’s T-shirt. They will also be releasing a Granny’s beer in collaboration with Hermosa Brewing Company.
“I’ve been to a 100-year-old party, you know, this grandma who turned 100. She was funky. She had energy and everything – she was amazing. I always think about that,” said Voc. “How often is it that someone or something turns 100 and you could attend or, you know, be a part of it.”
The store at 635 Monterrey Boulevard in Hermosa Beach was built in 1924 as a combination house and storefront before most of the surrounding houses were constructed. The store was first known as Lemaster’s Grocery and owned by Frank and Helen Lemaster. After several changes in ownership their granddaughter, Shirley, took over with her husband Andre and renamed it Granny’s.
Betty worked at Granny’s part-time for 20 years before becoming its new owner. She said Andre would always joke that if he won the lottery he would give Granny’s to her, even though he never played the lottery. Eventually, she sat him down and asked if he would seriously consider it.. When the time came for Shirley and Andre to retire, Betty was right there.
“[Andre and Shirley] are still very much a part of the history. People come in just to say hello,” said Betty. “I have a list of notes to themt I keep by the register.”
Betty and Voc strive to keep the legacy of Granny’s alive, while also adding their own twist. Several things will remain untouched – like the countertop which was built by the original owners and has the store’s original name. They also have no intention of changing the menu, but they did add a new sandwich to it. Number 13. The “hye” five wrap, is a nod to their Armenian heritage.
They emphasized how they give new and smaller vendors a chance to sell products in their store, and sometimes those products end up in chain grocery stores.
But the one thing that makes Granny’s stand the test of time is community. Every customer who walks through their doors is welcomed with a smile.
“I’m hoping people just want to come to see old faces, meet new ones – just enjoy being in this community and supporting and celebrating a 100-year-old business,” Betty said. ER
Voc and Beth behind the counter at Granny’s Grocery & Deli.