Jan 5, 2006 9:20 AM, from staff and wire reports

Smart & Final Inc has opened three new stores in Modesto, Torrance, and Gilroy CA. These locations bring the total number of stores operated by the company to 249. In 2005, the company opened 15 new stores and relocated two stores.

The new Modesto store measures about 18,486 square feet; the Torrance operation is approximately 19,620 square feet; the Gilroy store is about 19,935 square feet.

Founded in 1871 in Los Angeles, Smart & Final operates non-membership warehouse stores for food and foodservice supplies in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, and northern Mexico.