Fresh & Easy Announces Opening of First Bakersfield Stores

BAKERSFIELD, Calif., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market today announced it will open its first two stores in Bakersfield on December 3, 2008. Fresh & Easy currently has five announced locations in Kern County. The first stores opening are:

-- Olive & Jewetta -- Panama & Stine The additional three announced sites in Kern County include: -- Highway 46 & Griffith - Wasco -- Brimhall & Jewetta - Bakersfield -- Cecil & High - Delano

"At Fresh & Easy, we offer fantastic products at incredible prices so you don't have to compromise on what you feed your family," said Fresh & Easy CEO Tim Mason. "We look forward to bringing great jobs and quality, affordable food to neighborhoods in Kern County."

All Fresh & Easy products have no added trans fats, no artificial colors or flavors and only use preservatives when absolutely necessary. The company's kitchen produces fresh items daily such as Beef Lasagna, Lemon Cilantro Hummus, fresh pastas, sandwiches and sushi. Stores also carry everything customers need from shaving cream to their favorite brand name cereals, right in one easy-to-shop location.

Fresh & Easy will present a donation to a local non-profit organization as part of the store opening celebrations. Over the past few weeks, the company has been receiving nominations from the neighborhood (http://www.freshandeasy.com/goodneighbor) for an organization to receive a $1,000 contribution. Opportunities to submit nominations end next week. The store's new employees will vote on submissions and choose the winner to be named at the opening day celebrations.

Each Fresh & Easy location will employ 20 to 30 people, and intends to hire from the local neighborhood. The company provides the opportunity for all employees to work at least 20 hours, which entitles them to comprehensive healthcare and competitive benefits. Entry-level positions will pay well over the minimum wage, starting at $10 an hour in California, with a potential quarterly bonus of up to 10% on top.

Fresh & Easy has committed to building LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified buildings, recycling or reusing all shipping and display materials and using environmentally friendly trailers to transport food. The company also invested in one of California's largest solar roof installation on its distribution center.

More information regarding Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market can be found at http://www.freshandeasy.com.

Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market

CONTACT: Brendan Wonnacott, +1-310-384-3833, for Fresh & Easy Neighborhood
Market

Web site: http://www.freshandeasy.com/