Dividing California

Where does Safeway end and Vons begin?

When it comes to California's grocery stores, there is a north-south split between Safeway and Vons. Even though both are owned by a third chain, Albertsons, the two brands are still based in their respective areas.

Vons was founded first in Los Angeles circa 1906, while Safeway started much later in 1915. The nascent Safeway bought Vons in 1930. Antitrust actions and agglomeration forced the two apart and back together multiple times between 1969 and 2014. Presently, both chains are owned by Albertsons, which, in turn, is owned by Cerberus Capital Management.

There used to be more grocery stores; in fact, people used to protest the opening of stores because they felt there were too many.

Like hermit crabs, you can still see the old Safeways hiding under the facade of dialysis clinics, gyms, or even other grocery stores.

The trend is toward consolidation, with fewer but much larger stores. Perhaps by the time you read this, the map will have changed, and the collected lines will no longer be accurate.

Despite monopolistic practices, people remain loyal to the brand, so we now have a new way to divide the state.

Can you find the line that separates the two chains across California? Click outside of California, figure out how you'll thread the needle, and click once more outside of California to confirm your choice.

Only real Californians know the difference.