Mollie Stone's

About Mollie Stone's Palo Alto

Mollie Stone's Market at 164 South California Avenue is a full-service supermarket steps from the California Avenue Caltrain station. The company places the store in Palo Alto's College Terrace neighborhood. It is part of Mollie Stone's Markets, a family-owned grocery chain with stores around the Bay Area, including Burlingame, San Bruno, Sausalito, Greenbrae and three in San Francisco.

The company dates to 1986, when Mike Stone opened his first market in Redwood City. He named it after his late mother, Mollie, who spent 45 years in the grocery industry. That first store sold only natural and organic products. Customers also asked for name brands and everyday basics, so the company settled on what it calls a "Best of Both Worlds" approach that mixes the two. Mollie Stone's marked 40 years in business in 2026.

The company describes itself as family and locally owned. It says it works with local Bay Area producers and partners with local unions on employee benefits and career training.

Departments and what you will find

The Palo Alto market page lists full-service departments, catering and grocery delivery. Across the chain, Mollie Stone's names these departments:

• Produce: organic, local, seasonal and specialty items, hand-selected each day from Northern California farms and larger growers
• Meat: a full-service butcher counter with house-made chicken sausages and marinated meats
• Seafood: fish cut by hand and house-made crab cakes
• Delicatessen: chef-prepared recipes, made-to-order sandwiches, sliced meats and meals to go
• Cheese: fresh, aged and artisan cheeses, with staff who suggest pairings
• Bakery: pastries, muffins, breads, cookies, cakes and pies, with gluten-free, vegan and sugar-free options
• Sushi: sushi, sashimi, wraps and bowls made daily, plus party platters
• Wine, beer and spirits: local wines, small-batch spirits and craft beer
• Floral, housewares and vitamins: bouquets, potted plants, kitchen basics and natural health products, with selection varying by store

Some chain features, such as the in-store Ace Hardware and the free Mollie Bus ride home, are offered only at certain San Francisco and San Bruno markets. Do not expect them in Palo Alto.

Kosher and special diets

The Palo Alto store stands out for one thing in particular. Its market page says it carries a robust kosher selection all year long, which is useful for families who keep kosher and for holiday shopping. The grocery aisles also carry plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free and keto products, according to the company's department list. Selection changes, so ask a staff member if you cannot find a specific item.

Delivery, catering and rewards

Mollie Stone's runs its own grocery delivery service through its website and says orders can arrive in as little as an hour. The company also has a catering arm for events and office orders, with a catering specialist who helps plan the menu. You can place catering orders through the Mollie Stone's catering website.

A free rewards program earns credit back on purchases. The company also publishes a weekly ad, monthly picks and a food magazine called Real Food. Gift cards are sold in the store and online.

Who it suits

Mollie Stone's works for a full weekly shop. It has the butcher, seafood, deli and bakery counters that smaller markets on the street lack, along with the everyday brands that a natural foods store may not stock. Office workers near California Avenue can pick up a deli sandwich or sushi for lunch. Hosts can order a catering platter or pick up a cake from the bakery. Visitors staying in a nearby rental can stock a kitchen in one trip.

Tips for your visit

The Palo Alto market page lists outdoor seating and bike parking. That makes it a handy stop on a bike ride or after the Sunday farmers market on California Avenue. With the train station so close, it is also an easy grocery stop on a Caltrain day. Our California Avenue guide covers parking and the rest of the street. Our College Terrace guide covers the neighborhood the store serves.

Fans of HBO's Silicon Valley may recognize the store. The company notes it appeared in Season 4, Episode 3 of the show. For a smaller natural foods shop nearby, try Country Sun farther along California Avenue. Our groceries and specialty food guide compares the city's other markets.

Location and getting there

Mollie Stone's is at 164 South California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA, in the California Avenue area of Palo Alto. Our California Avenue guide covers what else is around.

The California Avenue Caltrain station is less than a quarter mile away, a walk of a few minutes.

Parking: street spaces and city garages with posted limits (see parking in Palo Alto).

Hours

Hours from the business's own website, checked October 29, 2026.

What is nearby

• Palo Alto Mind Body, practice, under 0.1 mi
• Cambridge Post Office, service business, under 0.1 mi
• Palo Alto Vision, practice, under 0.1 mi
• Domino's, quick-service spot, under 0.1 mi
• Rara, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
• Bowden Park, 0.1 mi
• Peers Park, 0.2 mi
• College Terrace Library, 0.5 mi

Other groceries and food shops nearby: Country Sun (0.2 mi); Vin Vino Wine (0.2 mi); Real Produce International Market (0.3 mi); Driftwood Deli and Market (0.8 mi). Browse the full groceries and food shops list.

Before you go

• California charges for paper bags at checkout, so bring a reusable bag.
• Weekend late mornings are the busiest time at most Palo Alto grocers. Early mornings and weekday evenings are calmer.
• Specialty items and prepared foods change often. Call ahead if you need something specific.

About this listing

Checked October 29, 2026 against Mollie Stone's Palo Alto market page; Mollie Stone's about page; Mollie Stone's departments; Mollie Stone's home page. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

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