EXHIBIT 23.1--CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our reports dated March 12, 1999
included in Smart and Final Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 1999
and to all references to our Firm included in this registration statement.
 
                                        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Los Angeles, California
April 2, 1999