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A new specialty Mexican grocer is now open on Ingleside’s Ocean Avenue.
Luis Ventura bought El Mercadito and renamed it San Marcos Food Center. He quietly opened the grocery store on June 16 and has been making improvements.
“We are focused on quality, service, and good prices,” said Ventura, who comes to the neighborhood with 12 years of experience from working for Mi Rancho Supermarket in San Jose and Redwood City.
Ventura has repainted the inside back wall sky blue with the shop’s logo and slogan “quality service at the best price” in the center.
San Marcos Food Center carries all manner of fresh foods. | Anne Marie Kristoff/Ingleside Light
The store’s team worked quickly over the past three weeks to transform the store, which included one freezer, two refrigerators, five double-sided storage shelves in the center and the addition of a meat counter, which store staff say will open in July.
Though the market, which was named after Ventura’s hometown, is still being set up, they encourage patrons to come and shop. They accept cash and cards, but will not accept EBT at this time.
The Ocean Avenue Association is located two storefronts over in the same building. Executive Director Megan Catmull said the group was in awe of how quickly San Marcos Food Center transformed the space and added that it has already boosted foot traffic on the block.
“One of the things that makes our corridor special is its incredible diversity of locally owned businesses, and San Marcos is a great addition to that mix,” Catmull said. “From the fresh produce displayed out front to the everyday grocery staples and affordable prices inside, it's exactly the kind of neighborhood-serving business that brings life to the corridor.”
San Marcos Food Center is already filled with cold soft drinks, cleaning supplies, snacks like chips, Mexican cookies from the brand Gamesa Emperador, gum and pantry staples like canned goods, including sauces and tinned meat, pastas, and dry beans. In addition, they have a small frozen section with ice cream, tamales, and baked sweet plantain slices, among other items.
What they are in abundance of is fresh produce, which patrons are greeted with upon entering the storefront, both inside and outside. Boxes and crates of fruits and vegetables currently line the store, but Ventura said tables for proper storage are on the way. The market will also be selling flowers, plants and potted herbs.
Ventura said they plan to hold a grand opening on July 25.
San Marcos Food Center
Address: 1712 Ocean Ave.
Hours: Every day, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Phone: 415-349-4337
