Star Market - Belmont, MA

Star Market
Opened: 2014

Owner: Albertsons Companies

Previous Tenants: Star Market (early 1990s - early 00s) > Shaw's (early 00s-ca. 2015)

Cooperative: none

Location: 535 Trapelo Rd, Belmont, MA

Photographed: March 5, 2025

Welcome to another Star Market! We've seen a couple in the northern suburbs, and now we're back for two more today and Monday. In fact, counting this one we've seen all but three of the Star Market locations. Number 19 of 21 is up for Monday! And if you think the exterior looks vaguely familiar, it is. This is almost exactly the same exterior model that ACME was using in the 90s. (Or see here.) There's a foyer with an entrance on each end. On the left side, Starbucks is right inside the entrance, with produce is in the front-left corner. Bakery and meat are on the left side of the first aisle, with cheese in an island facing. Deli, prepared foods, and seafood are at the back of the first aisle, with dairy on the rest of the back wall. Liquor is in the first aisle, and frozen foods are on the right side with pharmacy in the front-right corner. The back-right corner of the store is diagonal because of the layout of the roads around it. Plus, the exterior model is a bit different from those ACME examples, probably because of local zoning laws. This 40,000 square foot store is tucked into the downtown of Belmont, which is just outside of Cambridge.

The ornate exterior is definitely unusual, but very attractive. In fact, the whole store is very attractive inside and out. And as I've mentioned, its similarity to ACME stores of the 90s has to do with the fact that, in the 90s, Star Market and ACME were under the same ownership. I've written more about that here. This store was constructed in the early 90s by American Stores as a Star Market before becoming a Shaw's in the early 00s and then back to Star Market in 2014.

Though the store was a Shaw's for some time, it still has the bones of the early 90s Star Market. Inside, it even has the signature produce windows that also appeared in ACMEs of that era.

Produce department looked really nice, which is what I'm seeing more often than not in Albertsons stores lately.

Bakery and cheese are opposite each other in the first aisle, with meats in an alcove in the back left corner.

The bakery had some fun decorated cakes (and some really delicious higher-end cakes from La Rocca). Notice that it was set up as all self-service, no service counter.

This is an unusual setup for meats, and I don't believe this is a setup I've seen before in an ACME. Anyone else?

Notice that the promotional signage in the frames on the walls has been updated to match the hanging signage. It's a sharp look.

Deli, prepared foods, and meat/seafood counters at the back. Check out the maintenance here -- shiny floors, bright white ceilings, not a lightbulb out!

This liquor aisle is also very attractive.

Dairy begins on the back wall and then continues down the right side, which is a diagonal wall so the last aisles are very short.

Here's a look down the diagonal, with new doors on an older fixture. Again, you can see here just how freakin' spotless this place is.

Though to be honest, the other Star Market we're seeing on Monday was the same way, so that must just be how these stores are run these days, not something unique to this location.

The freezer cases look pretty new, too, and they're in very good shape. One row of older freezers in the next aisle over...

You can see here how the last few aisles, which are HABA and nonfoods, are shorter. The pharmacy is in the front corner here.

The blue here, with the back lighting, is really nice.

And a look across the front-end...

I'm glad to see this Star Market looking great, and Monday's store tour is in just as good shape. (The Shaw's I've been to lately have also been equally spotless.) Enjoy the weekend and see you on Monday!