A Lucky Supermarket in the Marin County city of Novato has reportedly closed due to a pest infestation. First reported by KRON4, the grocery store at 1761 Grant Ave. posted a sign announcing the Marin Environmental Health Services Division had suspended its operations because of “insect/rodent control.”
“This facility was found to have violations of the California Health and Safety Code which constitute an immediate danger to public health or safety,” the sign said. “As a result, the permit to operate has been temporarily suspended and this facility has been ordered to remain closed until a written reinstatement of the permit has been issued.”
A Lucky customer support agent confirmed the closure with The Standard, stating that the budget grocer was in the process of complying with health authorities but could not provide additional information or a possible date when the supermarket might reopen.
In a statement emailed to The Standard after the publication of this article, Lucky’s corporate parent, Save Mart Companies, stated that the chain was committed to “rigorous compliance with food safety standards,” and the store was remodeled in 2019.
”We have taken immediate action with repairs and maintenance as well as undergoing a thorough sanitation process, working closely with Marin County Environmental Health Services,” the statement read. “Additionally, Chief Operations Officer, Donovan Ford, has made Lucky Novato his highest priority and was on-site today to work diligently with the store operations team addressing the situation.”
The Marin Environmental Health Services Division did not respond to a request for comment by publication time.
Infestations are somewhat common around supermarkets and may not be the fault of the store or its employees. In September 2022, Glen Park’s Canyon Market was closed due to a rat infestation, allegedly because a neighbor with mental health issues routinely spread large quantities of birdseed around the building.
In March, a decades-old Lucky location in nearby Larkspur announced that it would shutter, in a blow to discount shoppers in that community.
This story has been updated with additional comment from Save Mart Companies, the parent of Lucky.