Bristol Farms grocery chain sold

Struggling against mounting pressure from big-box food retailers, grocery chain Supervalu Inc. has sold off its Bristol Farms stores to a team of local management and a West Coast investment firm. Bristol Farms, based in Carson, operates mostly in Los Angeles County and is known for its organic products and seasonal edible gifts, thanks to an in-house catering service that cooks up everything from gourmet pastries to full holiday meals — all with upscale prices to match. Read more in today's Business section.

Photo: Mary Ferguson shops at the Bristol Farms market in South Pasadena. The chain has about 1,500 employees and pulls in more than $200 million a year in sales, Chief Executive Kevin Davis said. Credit: Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times