At its Oct 6 meeting, the Pittsburg City Council approved an incentive agreement with Cielo Supermarket to open in the City of Pittsburg.
In total, Pittsburg offered $120,000 in incentives to allow Cielo Supermarket to lease 25,000 square feet within the Highland Shopping Center (Buchanan and Loveridge Road) — a $77,500 building permit fee credit and a $42,500 sales tax rebate, remitted at 50% of quarterly tax receipts upon issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.
The 58,000 sq ft location was formally home to Raley’s and Food Source and has since been vacant since 2019. Talks began with Cielo Supermarket and Pittsburg back in 2024 and with the council approval, the target opening date is summer of 2026.
According to the presentation, Cielo Supermarket plans to open a full-service grocery store which includes the following amenities:
- Taqueria with indoor seating
- Tamales Station
- Deli
- Juice Bar
- 127 sf & 175 sf sub-tenant spaces
- Bakery
- Tortilleria (tortillas, chips, and masa for tamales)
- Meat department
- Produce Section
Staff said the overall project cost are at $6.2 million, meaning the incentive package is less than 2% of the total project cost—a de minimis amount under state law.
This proposed incentive package would support the development and operation of the grocery store, while having minimal financial impact to the City, including no out-of- pocket costs. Potential community benefits include the following:
- Adding a grocery store amenity to an existing food desert;
- Activating a long vacant space;
- 70 full-time jobs, 20 part-time jobs, and 65 temporary construction jobs;
- Increased local access to fresh produce and grocery staples;
- Sales tax revenue;
- Increased property tax revenue;
- A committed, family-run business with deep roots in the region; and
- Opportunities for community partnerships and local engagement.
The business owners have stated that the proposed incentive package would be of significant benefit to ensuring that the store is fully stocked, functional, and community- ready. Specifically, they will put the financial assistance toward commercial refrigeration, cold storage equipment, tenant improvements, storefront upgrades, and start-up costs such as inventory and initial operation.
Vice Mayor Dionne Adams was thankful for this grocery store coming to the city and more jobs. She asked about the remaining square footage of the location and if there was any interest or if Cielo could expand.
According to Jordan Davis, Director of Community & Economic Development, he shared Cielo could expand, but with Cielo in that space, the location now does get bifurcated – instead of a 50,000 sq ft space, now you have two 25,000 sq ft spaces. He called it much more easier to lease for those looking to grow.
Mayor Jelani Killings shared his support.
“Since 2019, we remember back on this council when the supermarket first closed, we were having conversations about co-ops, I know the Chamber, as well as the property owner led a community initiative to try and market the space. Of course, going through COVID and hearing the community concern about what this would potentially be, I am excited it is remaining a supermarket, although reduced in size, it will open up other opportunities. I am supportive of the incentive we have here,” said Killings. “I want to thank staff for their diligence in working on this.”
With unanimous city council approval, the target opening date is summer of 2026.
According to the city, Cielo Supermarket first opened its doors in 2021 at 1818 A Street in Antioch, filling a much-needed void in grocery amenities in that area. With Cielo Pittsburg, the owners seek to transform the long-vacant space into a vibrant, community-centered grocery store providing access to fresh, affordable food, excellent service, and a shopping experience that reflects the diversity and character of Pittsburg
Cielo is much needed as in June, Pittsburg Sprouts Opened After Ribbon Cutting Ceremony after it broke ground in mid-2023.
To watch the council meeting, click here