In 2017, Dan Spangler and Julia Paige were living in Half Moon Bay when they opened Spangler’s Market on the coastal town’s Alhambra Avenue. Now, the husband and wife duo are living in Ingleside Terraces and have opened a second store in West Portal. Its tagline: "Chef inspired, community driven."
“We specialize in food,” Spangler told The Light. “It’s a full-scale store, so you could do a lot of your grocery shopping, most of it, except for your toiletries and your baby food, pet food and stuff, which is right next door [at Walgreens].”
The market held a soft opening on Tuesday and offered branded reusable grocery bags to the first 100 customers.
West Portal resident Aaron Ingber was among the first to enter the new store.
“I think it’s great. It looks like it will be a great addition, and I can’t wait to see it,” Ingber said.
Ingleside Terraces resident Annemarie Conroy also showed her support, noting how friendly the new shop feels.
“It’s a super nice family,” Conroy said. “I just hope it’s a super success and they’re super excited to be a part of the Westside family.”
Spangler’s Market carries pantry staples like pasta, pickled vegetables and sauces, as well as refrigerated and frozen goods like various cheeses, yogurts, and popsicles. Spangler said its meat and seafood selection sets the store apart.
The market makes its own sausages and marinades, a specialty of butcher John Chavez. Its high-quality meats and poultry have no antibiotics or hormones and the seafood is locally sourced.
Spangler's Market has a reputation for making a mean sandwich. | Anne Marie Kristoff/Ingleside Light
The deli’s made-to-order sandwiches have also been a fan-favorite at their first location with build-your-own and signature options like the vegetable-based Produce Boy, Italian deli-meat forward The Godfather and the South American classic Cubano. Vegetarian options start at $10 and meat options, including the build-your-own, start at $12.
The market also sells meats like roasted turkey and prosciutto di Parma and cheeses like white cheddar and muenster by the pound, with prices ranging from $7.99 to $28.99.
The team behind each location prides itself on service, bringing in customer item requests or finding an alternative. Their goal, Spangler said, is to ensure everyone leaves happy.
“This is something great,” said Yahya Moe, owner of KJ Produce Market in the Inner Sunset. “This is hard work given to a neighborhood. This is something really dedicated. Hopefully, West Portal can show some love too because this is an independent, family-fun, not with corporate money [business].”
Jocelyn Begil, a cashier, said she looks forward to helping the community find their specific grocery needs.
“I’m excited for San Francisco to feel and see the magic of Spangler’s,” said General Manager Virma D’Orio, who started at the Half Moon Bay location. “I think Dan’s ability to understand people, and he makes everybody feel at home. That’s why I’ve stayed for so long, because it feels like home.”
Spangler said a grand opening will be held in the coming weeks.
“We’re just super excited to be a part of this community,” Spangler said. “It’s a big venture for us, but we’re hoping it works out. We’re really hoping to make an impact in this community the same way we did in Half Moon Bay.”
Spangler’s Market
Address: 186 West Portal Ave. Hours: Sunday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. View website
Anne Marie Kristoff (she/her) is a recent graduate from San Francisco State University's journalism program. She enjoys writing about the arts, entertainment and nature.
