Central Fresno grocery store holds hiring event ahead of grand opening

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- What used to be Sears at Manchester Mall many years ago will soon be the second location of El Super in Fresno.

The popular grocery chain focuses on the Hispanic community, and if you've ever been inside one, the aroma of hand-made tortillas, food options, music, and traditional pan dulce sets the tone for every shopper.

"We know that more than 50% of the population here is of Hispanic and Latin descent, so we know that they are always looking for opportunities to connect with different environments and stores and cultures that are welcoming, but it's nice to know those stores are open for anyone," said Yery Olivares with the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation.

Before El Super opens, they need employees and are looking to fill 140 positions from baker to meat cutter or assistant manager.

Thursday morning, the line was out the door at Smart and Final in Central Fresno, where many showed up with resumes in hand, hoping to land a job.

Some saying the search has been difficult but hope their bilingual skills and Latino backgrounds will help.

"I have been looking for a job for a couple of months already and no response, so I hope this is the one," said one job seeker.

"For a couple of weeks, I have been actively looking. It's good to see places like that for the people here in the community," said another job seeker.

At the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, they've helped entrepreneurs launch their business dreams, and Yery Olivares says big chains like El Super are important.

"Those are the types of stores that we identify for opportunities for the businesses that we assist so that while they are working on any product that could make it on the shelf, that we can help them get to that point," said Olivares.

Olivares says they are proud of helping over 30,000 businesses in the last two decades, contributing to an even larger statistic.

According to the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, more than 815,000 Hispanic-owned businesses exist in California, creating more than half a million jobs.

The General Manager of Manchester Mall tells Action News he is looking forward to the grand opening of El Super, which is expected to open sometime in June.

You can apply for any of the open positions here.

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