by Terry Schrimscher, Tribune reporter
CENTER POINT – Shoppers seeking a wider variety of ethnic foods will have a new option for grocery shopping later this year when Mi Tierra Linda opens in Center Point. The approximately 23,000 square foot grocery, specializing in foods from Central and South America, is planned for the newly renovated Center Point Plaza located at 2375 1st Street NE in Center Point.
Mi Tierra Linda is planned to open later this year in the newly renovated Center Point Plaza located at 2375 1st Street NE in Center Point. (Photo Terry Schrimscher)
“Hopefully, we can start construction the first week of February,” said Claudia Rodriguez, one of three business partners planning to open Mi Tierra Linda. The company received a $10,000 business grant from the city which was approved in the January 18 meeting of the City Council.
“The new business incentive program was established to stimulate positive change and growth in Center Point, said Council President D.M. Collins. “The addition of a multicultural supermarket not only enhances our city’s grocery landscape but also reflects the growth of our Latino community.”
Mi Tierra Linda is expected to create jobs for 35 employees when the store is opened. Although the owners are waiting on final inspections and approvals to begin construction, Rodriguez said the company has already passed training courses in food handling in preparation for the store opening.
Mi Tierra Linda means “my beautiful land” and the store will feature a variety of items to showcase the food and culture of countries like Mexico, Guatemala, Argentina and other nations from the regions of Central and South America.
“We want to get people together so they can know more about our culture and about our food,” Rodriguez said. She said the supermarket will feature a bakery, a tortilleria and a restaurant.
“We’re going to have two buffet tables, a hot and a cold buffet table,” she added. “We’re going to have tacos, quesadillas, tortas, and typical food from our country.”
Learning about other cultures through food is popular with young shoppers. According to Supermarket News, major grocery chains are seeing increases in sales of global foods.
Multicultural groceries are a booming market nationally, accounting for $50 billions in grocery sales, according to the grocery industry magazine Progressive Grocer. The market is expected to grow at 2% or more per year across the nation.
Collins offered praise for city leaders who recognized a growing market and invested in the community with the grant funding.
“Thank you to the economic development committee and city council for their pivotal role in channeling funds towards this project, contributing to the city’s overall diversity and prosperity,” Collins said.
