300-store discount chain to carry Dolores in convenient packaging
In a store made famous for value and variety, "L.A.'s Favorite Chili" is a natural fit.
Los Angeles-based Dolores Canning Co. Inc is introducing a 7-ounce package of Dolores Chili Sauce, available exclusively at 99 Cents Only Stores in four states. The new sauce, packed into individual microwave-friendly servings, retains the same great flavor that made Dolores Chili famous. It will be sold at all 300 99 Cents Only Stores in California, Nevada, Arizona and Texas.
“Dolores Chili Sauce is another way for people to enjoy a single-serving of Dolores Chili. It’s perfect with dogs, burgers, fries, nachos or straight,” said Dolores president David Muñoz.
The microwave-safe sauce, which heats in less than a minute, arrives at a perfect time. As savvy consumers become more time- and budget-conscious in their search for quality, discount retailers like 99 Cents Only Stores have surged in popularity.
In January 2011, Time magazine reported that bargain hunting has expanded its popularity to middle-class households. According to another report, there were fewer than 6,000 dollar stores in the U.S. as recently as 1996; by May 2011 the country's three largest dollar stores had more than 20,000 outlets.
Founded in 1982, 99 Cents Only was an early innovator of the bargain retail concept. For more than 25 years, everything was priced at 99 cents. Due to rising costs, the top price of its goods eventually increased to 99.99 cents.
Dolores Chili and 99 Cents Only Stores are a logical match, since the chili has built its reputation on value in addition to flavor. A 20-ounce all-beef brick of Dolores Chili serves four to five, and varies in price between $4 and $5, depending on the retailer.
“At just 99 cents, the chili sauce offers customers a lower-cost option — perfect for keeping within a budget — but in a size that still satisfies,” Muñoz said.
99 Cents Only joins Superior, Food4Less and Winco Foods as other outlets where chili lovers can enjoy the Dolores flavor. Retail stores and Smart&Final offer 20-ounce bricks and five-pound trays of Dolores Chili. In 2011, Dolores Chicken Chili was introduced and made available at Superior Grocers across California.
Dolores Chili is also served at countless foodservice establishments throughout the West Coast and is a favorite at Downtown L.A.’s famous Philippe the Original.