A glimpse inside the upcoming new Nugget Market in Granite Bay

A major glow-up is clearly underway of the former building that once housed a Walmart store on the corner of Sierra College Blvd and Douglas in Granite Bay: A hotly anticipated, shiny new Nugget Market is slated to open in the spot this summer. Construction crews have been working for months on the interior of the building, and recently began work on the exterior as well, where people driving by can clearly see the slow but steady transformation of what's soon to come. Store Director Cody Moody said this project has been years in the making, with the Granite Bay community expressing its excitement for a Nugget Market, and finally having those requests answered. "Our aim is to provide a unique and uplifting shopping experience with an emphasis on fresh, organic, quality products that are both sourced locally and internationally. We want to have items for everybody," said Moody. "We're going to put a huge emphasis on the deli and kitchen with chef-prepared entrees and sandwiches ready to go but also our meat department with fresh cut steaks, dry aged meats, premium products but also things you can eat everyday." Moody said Nugget prides itself on its professional Chef team, which makes artisan breads from scratch along with a long list of other items in the food area, from sushi to breakfast items to cakes. It will also feature a coffee and juice bar and extensive adult beverage section with Wine Stewards to help with picks. Because this store will be a re-model, its floor plan will have some unique features compared to its local counterparts, and with about 42,000 square feet to use, the store promises to be spacious and open. Nugget Market Granite Bay is still actively hiring for 50 positions ranging from food service to stock people; Moody said he knows from personal experience that Nugget offers many professional opportunities. "Personally my story is I started with Nugget 18 years ago as a bagger and have grown up through the company, and to have the honor of grand opening this store is amazing," said Moody, smiling. "But my story is not unique, if you look all throughout our company, entry level on up, it's common practice for us, we love to promote from within." Interested applicants can visit the company website at www.nuggetstore/careers. This Granite Bay store will be the 17th Nugget Market; there are two other Nugget Markets in Placer County, one off Pleasant Grove and another in West Roseville off Blue Oaks. A fourth store is slated to be built by summer 2026 in Whitney Ranch in Rocklin. The Granite Bay Nugget Market is expected to be open by August of this year.