MINNEAPOLIS — An authentic Spanish grocery store has opened in a much-maligned neighborhood of Minneapolis.
Colonial Market at Lake Street and Hiawatha is Daniel Hernández‘s second supermarket in the city.
More than 80% of what is on the shelves comes from outside the US
Hernandez says it’s about catering to the community.
“Our Latino community, our Somali community, Asian community – we have a little bit of everything for everyone,” he said.
Hernandez says people told him he made a mistake opening his business on Lake Street, but he believes in the area.
“My people are here,” he said. “Latinos are here. Instead of running away, I try to be closer to them. They are my customers, they are my people, they are the people who supported my business ventures for a while, so the best way to pay giving back is to put a store where they belong.”
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The Lake Street Council is excited about Colonial’s expansion.
“It’s a real asset for community members to have another destination they can go to to get products they would find at home,” said ZoeAna Martinez, the Council’s business engagement manager.
She says Colonial Market is one of several recent openings and groundbreaking developments in the corridor, including a Southside Community Health Services building that will open next to Midtown Market.
“To see the continued investment from community members shows that we are still here,” Martinez said. “The residents aren’t going anywhere.”
Hernandez has set his sights even bigger, with two more supermarkets planned next year in Eagan and north Minneapolis, a location he is particularly proud of.
“I’m like, ‘This is where the need is. I’m going to do my best,'” he said. “Even though a lot of people have told me in a lot of different comments that I should run, I think I’m going to that area because I believe that people care.”
Together with his supermarkets and a number of other businesses, Hernandez employs more than 100 people.
