Safeway, part of Albertsons Companies, Inc., has announced the grand opening of a brand-new Safeway at 8010 W. Happy Valley Road.

The store is located in The Trailhead, a project developed by Pederson Group.

The store officially opens 6 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 18. A community-wide ribbon cutting celebration begins at 9 a.m. sharp.

More than a dozen nearby schools and nonprofits will be awarded more than $100,000 in grants from the Safeway Foundation, according to a news release.

Arizona Cardinals’ Big Red, cheerleaders, and local dignitaries will take part in the event.

The community is invited to attend and sample foods along with chances to win prizes and gift cards.

Free bags of groceries will be given out to the first 200 shoppers following the 9 a.m. ribbon cutting.

“We’re thrilled to unveil this beautiful and highly upgraded Safeway store to residents in Peoria. This upscale Safeway will give shoppers the finest selection of foods, along with a great experience each time they visit us,” said Carl Huntington, president of the southwest division for Safeway.

Mike Houston has been appointed store director and more than 150 new associates have been hired.

“This Safeway project was the perfect fit for this rapidly growing area of Peoria,” said James Pederson, founder and chairman of Pederson Group. “The Trailhead is the heartbeat of this ruggedly beautiful and desirable Happy Valley corridor. Home to specialty shopping, including this beautifully designed Safeway which adds to the overall upscale experience that will be enjoyed by all, for years to come.”

The new store features a full-service pharmacy, expanded Starbucks and seating area, designer floral department, a premier produce department featuring an exceptional selection of local fruits and vegetables including a variety of topline organics, the release said.

The meat department affords shoppers an elaborate assortment of fine cut meats, poultry, and seafood. In addition, the store features a world-class expansive wine and craft beer area, along with a full-service sushi counter, the release said.

For shoppers who enjoy eating dessert first, Safeway’s bakery is a must see and has every item possible when it comes to indulging in something sweet. Shoppers will never have to compromise with Safeway’s new deli and cheese departments. Both feature the finest assortment of domestic and international cheeses, meats, salads, and sandwiches, fresh and ready-to-go daily.

Safeway is investing in the community by providing foundation grants to the following schools and nonprofits in Peoria.

• Lake Pleasant Elementary School - $2500
• Vistancia Elementary School- $2500
• Sunset Heights Elementary School- $2500
• Parkridge Elementary School- $2500
• Frontier Elementary School- $2500
• Coyote Hills Elementary School- $2500
• Peoria Traditional School- $2500
• Apache Elementary School - $2500
• Sunrise Mountain High School- $2500
• Liberty High School- $2500
• Liberty High School Marching Band- $2500
• Liberty High School Cheerleaders- $2500
• Liberty High School Football Team- $2500
• Peoria Unified Preschool - $2500
• Zuni Hills Elementary School- $2500
• West Wing School - $2500
• Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc -$20,000
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul - $25,000
• St. Mary’s Food Bank - $25,000
• Peoria Fire and Police Charities - $5,000