Following a three-month pause, Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market yesterday opened its 62nd store, in Manhattan Beach, Calif. 

"Today's opening marks Fresh & Easy's continued expansion in Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona," said c.e.o. Tim Mason. "So far, we have hired over 2,100 people and plan to hire hundreds more in the coming months, particularly good news in this economy. We look forward to opening more stores and bringing high quality foods at great prices -- and competitive jobs -- to even more neighborhoods."

The new store is less than a mile away from Fresh & Easy's home office.

During an opening ceremony yesterday, Mason revealed the future location of a planned Fresh & Easy store in South Los Angeles. As with the Compton opening earlier this year, Mason said this demonstrates the grocer's commitment to open stores in all types of neighborhoods, including those that have been traditionally underserved. 

"We believe everyone deserves fresh, high quality food at affordable prices regardless of where they live," said Mason.

The groundbreaking on this site is planned for later this month.