EXHIBIT 99

                                         Contact:  Randall Oliver   (media)
                                         (323) 869-7607
                                         randall.oliver@smartandfinal.com
                                         --------------------------------

                                         Richard Phegley   (investors)
                                         (323) 869-7779
                                         rick.phegley@smartandfinal.com
                                         ------------------------------



 SMART & FINAL IDENTIFIES PRIOR-YEARS ACCOUNTING ISSUES IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
                           BROADLINE FOODSERVICE UNIT

    Total Amount of Restatement Not Expected to Exceed $6 Million After-Tax


  LOS ANGELES, April 22, 2002 - Smart & Final Inc. (NYSE - SMF) today reported
that it has identified certain accounting issues at its Stockton, California
broadline foodservice subsidiary which impact prior-years reported operating
results.  The aggregate amount of the potential adjustments is not expected to
exceed a $6 million after-tax reduction in reported income for prior years.
The adjustments required are expected to be non-cash and are not expected to
affect current operations.

  The company had been scheduled to release first quarter 2002 financial results
today but has elected to delay the release until approximately May 8, 2002.  A
conference call with company management originally scheduled for April 23, 2002
will also be rescheduled.

     In conjunction with restructuring activities at the Stockton unit, the
company identified certain adjustments required to properly reconcile its
accounting records and to correct other issues relating to marketing income
recognition.  The company expects that the restatement of reported results will
encompass more than one fiscal year.

     Ross Roeder, chairman and chief executive officer, stated  "While we're
disappointed that these accounting issues have occurred, their discovery was
part of our aggressive rebuilding of broadline foodservice operations in
northern California.  We took immediate steps to thoroughly investigate, and
based on our review, we took prompt remedial actions including the replacement
of local unit financial management.  These accounting issues relate to prior
years and are not expected to affect current operations."

                                  --- more ---


Page 2
Smart & Final Inc. Identifies Prior-Years Accounting Issues

     Roeder added, "Our core store operations remain strong and have enjoyed
good sales growth in the 2002 first quarter.  Our broadline foodservice business
continues to make solid operational progress and today's actions help to build a
solid foundation for its future.  Our 2002 growth plans for both stores and
broadline foodservice are unaffected by these prior-years issues and I look
forward to our first quarter earnings release when we will discuss our
performance trends in more detail."

     Because of the ongoing nature of the inquiry, the information contained
herein is subject to change and the company will update information with respect
to the material results of the inquiry upon its completion.

     Founded in 1871 in downtown Los Angeles, Smart & Final Inc. operated 232
stores in California, Oregon, Washington, Florida, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho and
Northern Mexico at the end of the 2001 fiscal year.  The Company also operates
two broadline foodservice distribution companies in northern California and
Florida.  For more information, visit the Company's website at
www.smartandfinal.com.
---------------------

  This Smart & Final press release contains "forward-looking statements" within
the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and other expressions of management's belief or
opinion which reflect its current understanding or belief with respect to such
matters.  Actual results may differ materially and adversely from such
statements due to known and unknown factors, including the results of the
company's inquiry, costs and uncertainties associated with other potential
actions, the application of certain accounting principles, the impact of the
errors and inquiry on the subsidiary's business, and the other risks associated
with the company's business detailed in its periodic filings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.  Except as specifically set forth herein, the company
undertakes no obligation to update any such forward-looking or other statement.

                                     # # #