Big Bear Lake, California, is a stunning year-round destination, attracting outdoor enthusiasts, families, and weekend travelers alike. Whether you’re stocking up for a mountain getaway or living in the area, knowing where to find the best grocery stores in Big Bear is essential.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the most popular grocery options, from large supermarkets to charming local markets, so you can easily find what you need during your visit.
Top Grocery Stores in Big Bear: Where to Shop for Everything You Need
When it comes to grocery shopping in Big Bear, you’re not short of options. Here’s a comprehensive list of the top stores where you can find everything from fresh produce to household essentials. Each entry includes store details, contact information, and what makes each one stand out.
1. Vons Big Bear
Image source- Google Maps
- Address: 42170 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- Phone: (909) 866-8459
- Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Services: Vons offers a variety of services including grocery delivery and DriveUp & Go™ pickup. You’ll also find a Starbucks café, bakery, deli, and even a wide range of custom cakes. It’s the go-to store for a full shopping experience in Big Bear.
Why Shop Here: If you’re looking for an all-in-one shopping experience with everything from organic produce to gourmet snacks, Vons is a must-visit. It’s perfect for those who want convenience and variety.
2. Stater Bros. Markets
Image source- Google Maps
- Address: 42171 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- Phone: (909) 866-5211
- Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Features: A trusted name in grocery shopping, Stater Bros. offers fresh bakery goods, deli items, seafood, and a wide variety of frozen foods, meats, and produce.
Why Shop Here: Stater Bros. is known for its strong commitment to fresh products and quality customer service, making it a great choice for daily shopping.
3. Community Market
Image source- Google Maps
- Address: 100 E Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- Phone: (909) 547-0400
- Description: Community Market is a smaller, local grocery store offering a selection of staple groceries, snacks, and beverages.
Why Shop Here: If you’re looking for a no-frills shopping experience with quick access to the essentials, Community Market is perfect for those on the go or looking for last-minute items.
4. Bear Cupboards Market
Image source- Google Maps
- Address: 40850 Village Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- Phone: (909) 878-0255
- Hours: Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, Friday: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM, Sunday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Description: Bear Cupboards Market is a boutique-style store featuring a range of gourmet foods, local products, and a selection of organic and health-conscious items.
Why Shop Here: This market is ideal for those who enjoy supporting local businesses and looking for high-quality, unique products. It’s a great spot for fresh produce and delicious treats.
5. The Pines Lakefront Dining
Image source- Google Maps
- Address: 350 Alden Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- Phone: (909) 866-5400
- Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Friday: 12:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Monday & Tuesday: Closed
- Description: While primarily a dining destination, The Pines Lakefront offers guests a beautiful setting on the lake to enjoy a meal. The restaurant serves gourmet dishes ranging from steaks to seafood and boasts an outdoor patio for an unparalleled lake view.
Why Visit Here: Perfect for a meal after grocery shopping, The Pines provides a stunning dining experience with fresh, quality cuisine. Its lakeside patio and live entertainment make it a special place to relax and enjoy fine food.
Special Grocery Shopping Features in Big Bear
Big Bear’s grocery scene has a little bit of everything for different tastes and needs. Here’s a quick overview of what each store brings to the table:
- Fresh Produce: Stater Bros. and Vons lead the way with excellent produce sections, but local gems like Bear Cupboards Market offer organic and specialty selections.
- Gourmet and Organic Options: For those in search of healthier alternatives or special dietary needs, Bear Cupboards and Vons both have organic and locally sourced products.
- Discount Shopping: Grocery Outlet is the perfect destination for bargain hunters seeking substantial savings on everyday items.
Making Your Big Bear Grocery Shopping Effortless
Whether you’re preparing for a weekend retreat or a long-term stay in Big Bear, these grocery stores provide everything you need to stock up. With options ranging from large supermarket chains to charming local markets, Big Bear’s grocery stores cater to every need, taste, and budget. Be sure to take note of their hours and contact info for your next shopping trip to ensure you get everything on your list. Now that you’re familiar with the best grocery stores in Big Bear, you can easily plan your shopping trips during your visit. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Big Bear while making sure you’re well-stocked for your adventures!
FAQs About Big Bear Grocery Stores
1. Does Big Bear grocery store still exist?
No, the original Big Bear grocery store chain went out of business in 2004 after filing for bankruptcy under its parent company, Penn Traffic. However, many of the Big Bear store locations were acquired by other grocery chains like Giant Eagle, and the Big Bear name no longer exists in the retail grocery space.
2. Why is it called Big Bear Shopping Centre?
The name “Big Bear Shopping Centre” is derived from the Big Bear chain of grocery stores that once dominated the region. The term “Shopping Centre” refers to a commercial space where various businesses, including grocery stores, are housed together.
Over time, many of the properties and buildings that once housed Big Bear stores have evolved into general shopping centers with multiple retailers.
3. Did Giant Eagle buy Big Bear?
Yes, in 2004, Giant Eagle acquired the rights to many Big Bear locations after the chain’s bankruptcy. Giant Eagle, a supermarket chain based in the Midwest, took over several of Big Bear’s stores, effectively ending Big Bear’s presence in the market.
4. What is the biggest grocery store in the US?
The biggest grocery store in the U.S. is typically considered to be Walmart, which operates thousands of locations across the country. Walmart is not only the largest grocery retailer by revenue but also one of the largest in terms of physical size, with some stores spanning over 200,000 square feet. Other major grocery chains like Kroger and Costco also rank highly in terms of both size and revenue.
