Independent chain’s growth mirrors SoCal Hispanics.
The sprawling 37,000-square-foot Mercado Northgate Gonzalez supermarket in Costa Mesa, CA, is a breathtaking celebration of Mexican culinary traditions.
In the produce department, the Hispanic customers find items that might not be available in a Safeway or Kroger store. “We have cactus pears, and we also have a variety of green tomatoes,” says Justino Tiseda, produce manager at the store. “We have more varieties of fruits and vegetables.”
Beyond a selection of produce items used in Hispanic cooking, Mercado is a destination with features not often found in a supermarket.
CULINARY ADVENTURE
Even before you see the produce department, you can smell the culinary treats offered at more than 20 puestos or food stands scattered throughout the store. These puestos, a common feature in Mexico City supermarkets, offer seven types of hot chocolate, sweet churros, tacos and other dishes prepared on-site…