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Popular Spencer’s Fresh Markets celebrates 30th anniversary

September 29, 2026

Spencer’s Fresh Markets in Orcutt in 1996

By KAREN VELIE

Looking for a great deal on groceries? Head to Spencer’s Fresh Markets and celebrate their 30th anniversary with specials throughout their stores in Morro Bay, Orcutt and Lompoc.

While still a student at Righetti High School in Santa Maria, in 1971 John Spencer stated his career in the grocery business as a boxboy at the Williams Bros. Market in Orcutt. He moved up to checker, manager and later company supervisor.

After learning the Orcutt store was closing and the building was available, John and Beatrice Spencer opened their first store on Sept. 30, 1996. Three years later, in 1999, they opened a second store in Morro Bay.

John Spencer in 1996

Several years ago, John and Beatrice Spencer of Arroyo Grande asked their youngest of four daughters and her husband, Camryn and Justin Sly, if they would join them in the business. Involved in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry, Justin Sly’s knowledge of cooling systems has become a valuable asset.

They now run three stores together, with plans for the Slys to take the reins and the Spencers to eventually retire.

On Aug. 19, they opened a third Spencer’s Fresh Markets in Lompoc. They plan to open a fourth store at the corner of 24th and Spring streets in Paso Robles in the summer of 2027.

Justin Sly, Beatrice Spencer, John Spencer, Camryn Sly and three children at the Lompoc Spencer’s Fresh Markets opening in 2026

Its time to stock up on essentials. Starting this Wednesday, anniversary specials include prime beef tri-tips at $6.99 a pound, Trafficanda dozen large eggs at 99 cents, 5 pound bag russet potatoes at 99 cents, and 16 ounce Challenge butter for $2.99.

Find all the anniversary specials at Spencer’s Fresh Markets.

 


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6 Comments

I loved Spencers when I was in that area. Wish one would open in SLO. If one opened near Vons it would be over for Vons.


2

Marigold Vons is a gold mine, easily one of their most profitable stores


0

Great homemade salsas too


5

Friendly and helpful staff, great produce with a good organic section, a full service butcher shop with quality meat. A nice seafood case with wild seafood.My go to market in Morro Bay.

Forget Albertsons. High prices, low quality meat, farmed seafood


6

Spencer’s produce is often 1/3 to 1/4 the price of chain stores. Brussels sprouts at $1 instead of $4, grapes $1 instead of $3. Other stores will never pass along the savings of abundant locally sourced produce as a matter of principle and profit.


4

Just a few blocks from us in North Morro. Great meat and produce.


12