Compton Community Mourns Beloved Business Owner

Grocery Outlet Owner Eugene Bennette Loses Fight With Cancer

by Charles Jackson Jr.

The Compton community is heartbroken over the loss of Eugene Bennette, the owner of Grocery Outlet Bargain Market. He passed away after battling cancer on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Los Alamitos Hospital in Long Beach.

Eugene was more than just a grocery store owner; he was a dedicated community servant. He generously offered his time and resources to those in need. Eugene was a remarkable man, known for providing first-class service and top-quality products at his business. He served as a role model and was admired as an outstanding individual, exactly the kind of person we wish our community had more of. A committed family man and a leader, Eugene was one of a kind. In Compton, you can’t say “City Pride” without saying Eugene Bennettte.

Compton Mayor Emma Sharif expressed her condolences, stating, “Eugene was a generous individual who contributed significantly to the City of Compton. This is a tremendous loss, and everyone who knew Eugene recognized him as a good man who cared deeply for the Compton community. I will continue to pray for his family during this time of grief and want them to know that the City of Compton stands with them.”

Under Eugene’s leadership, the Compton Grocery Outlet Bargain Market has become a central hub for business and community activities on Compton’s Westside. It is an excellent place to shop, offering healthy and affordable food and groceries. The store fosters a welcoming atmosphere for the Compton community while maintaining a clean and friendly environment. Today, the Grocery Outlet Bargain Market in Compton ranks among the most popular grocery stores in the area. It features a warm ambiance and is staffed by dedicated employees.

Eugene, as a business owner, proactively reached out to nearby neighborhoods to hire local residents. He has created numerous job opportunities for young people, providing them with their first positions and opening doors to promising careers in the grocery industry.

Eugene’s journey in the grocery business began as a high school student when he worked as a bagger at Boys Market in Compton. He started as a box boy and progressed to store manager before eventually becoming a store owner. Growing up in Compton and Long Beach, he began working at an early age to help support his mother, who raised him alone.

Over the years, Eugene held various positions at Boys Market, learning all aspects of the grocery business. He also served as a store manager at Food 4 Less and later managed Superior Grocers. In June 2019, he seized the opportunity to become the owner of the Grocery Outlet Bargain Market in Compton, California. Grocery Outlet Bargain Market is one of the largest extreme-value grocery retailers in the United States, offering name-brand grocery items at discounts of up to 60% off regular grocery store prices. Mr. Bennette recognized and capitalized on this unique business opportunity.

Eugene is survived by his mother, Ennis Wisner, his daughter, Jasmine, and many family members and friends. The store team will set up a small memorial area at the Grocery Outlet in Compton for anyone who wishes to visit, reflect, or leave a message. They will also keep the community informed about a special day planned to celebrate and honor his life and legacy.

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