By Becky Steinbruner
More than 50 people crowded around the wide aisle of Safeway on Sunday, March 3 to witness and applaud the new signs installed over the aisles of the wine department, honoring the “Wine Guy” Andres Burgueno. It was a bittersweet moment, shared with his family.
Vanessa Burgueno posts the tribute to her late husband.
Many, many customers at the Aptos Safeway were stunned and saddened upon learning that long-time employee Burgueno passed away suddenly on Jan. 17 this year. His co-workers were also deeply affected.
Monica, the store manager, immediately contacted Safeway Corporate Office to request changing the street names on signs over the aisles of the wine department to “Andres B. Street” to honor this Burgueno who, with an unforgettable smile, was the essence of customer service, and made sure everyone’s workday was going well, often with laughter.
“Corporate did not hesitate at all when I asked, and said that no approval was needed,” she said. “It’s been a bit since he left, but the staff and I miss him everyday.”
Employees were glad to see the “Andres B. Street” signs installed, commenting that they were grateful to have such overwhelming support from the Corporate level. Monica also has made sure to install a photo of Andres and the recent Aptos Times tribute, framed on the wall of the employee break room. It has helped bring comfort to their tremendous loss.
With added kindness, two additional signs on either side of the wine department now host a photo of Andres, beaming with his ever-present broad smile.
His wife Vanessa made and installed the signs herself. She and Andres met nearly 20 years ago when both worked in the store.
As the gathering closed, many shared a moment of sadness with Andres’s family, standing beneath the new “Andres B Street” sign. Vanessa’s Mother said, “We just have to accept that God took His son home.”
As Assistant Store Manager Anthony said, “We cannot fill his shoes, but long lives his memory.”
TOP PHOTO: Andres Burgueno’s Family
Store managers Monica and Anthony
Monica with Vanessa
