Smart & Final

Smart & Final is a long-established food retailer that operates over 250 stores across the Western United States as of November 2025. The company began in 1871 as Hellman, Haas & Co. in Los Angeles, making it one of the oldest continuously operating food retailers in the country. Over the years, Smart & Final has evolved from a regional distributor into a multi-format retailer serving both households and business customers.

Today, Smart & Final maintains a dual-banner approach with its Smart & Final and Smart Foodservice stores. The Smart & Final stores offer bulk purchasing options for both families and businesses, while Smart Foodservice locations focus on serving restaurants and commercial foodservice operators. This format allows the company to reach a broad customer base, including those looking for bulk groceries without the need for a membership fee, which sets it apart from traditional warehouse clubs.

A significant milestone in the company’s recent history was its acquisition by Apollo Global Management in April 2019 for $1.1 billion. This change in ownership brought access to additional capital and operational expertise, supporting continued modernization and expansion. The company is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker SFS, with a market capitalization of approximately $497 million as of November 2025.

Smart & Final’s footprint is concentrated in California and neighboring Western states, with a focus on urban and suburban markets. Over the past five years, the company has prioritized strategic growth, maintaining its store base and expanding its reach in priority markets. The dual-banner strategy enables Smart & Final to serve both retail and commercial segments, providing flexibility for landlords and developers considering tenant mix in retail centers. The brand’s credibility is underscored by its long history, substantial store count, and ongoing investment in expansion and modernization.