EAST PALO ALTO (BCN) -- For the first time in decades, East Palo Alto residents have a full-service grocery store located within city limits.

San Jose-based Mi Pueblo Food Center Saturday opened the doors to its new location at 1731 E. Bayshore Road in East Palo Alto's Gateway 101 Retail Center.

The 35,000-square-foot store is housed in a former Circuit City, according to Mi Pueblo spokeswoman Perla Rodriguez.

Since the doors opened at 7 a.m., "the store has been packed," she said shortly before noon. Mi Pueblo officials say the city has not had a full-service grocery store for 23 years.

East Palo Alto was a natural demographic fit for the chain because nearly 70 percent of city residents are Hispanic, Rodriguez said.

During the city approval process, some residents expressed concern that Mi Pueblo's offerings would cater only to Hispanic residents. Rodriguez said the store carries traditional grocery items, like meat, milk and  produce.

"We carry all the regular items that any full-service grocery carries, and add a Latin American flavor," she said.

The East Palo Alto location is the chain's 14th store, and created 200 jobs in the city, Rodriguez said.

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