An integral component of operating a retail business in the post-pandemic world involves the growing importance of one-stop shopping. Nowhere in northern Ohio is the success of such a business model more evident than at Taqueria La Loma, one of the most successful Hispanic operations in the state.

Husband and wife Caesar and Blanca Rivera started 15 years ago building up this unique food marketplace, which now has locations in Akron and Canton, Ohio. First came a dynamic restaurant. Then the grocery store. And five years ago, the bakery opened to great fanfare.

“People like everything – donuts, churros, cakes, and lots of designs of fresh breads,” Caesar said. “It is also visually appealing. Conchas come in many colors – white, yellow, chocolate, and pink. We make sugar and chocolate donuts – some with sprinkles and some with pudding inside. We make donuts every day in the morning, starting at 4 a.m.”

The Hispanic market portion of the store offers the convenience of shopping for fresh meats, cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables, grains and dry goods, coffee and tea, dairy products, cane goods, sauces and condiments, soft drinks, Mexican Dulcería, piñatas and much more.

The signature restaurant with tables for in-person dining occupies the opposite side of the store from the bakery where patrons can offer authentic Mexican foods made with fresh ingredients. There is the classic Chile Verde, Steach Ranchero, and Pollo con Crema served with rice, guacamole, and salad. And you can choose corn or flour tortillas, made from scratch.

“The bakery makes the telera bread for the restaurant, and there are torta sandwiches available in 10 different meats,” Caesar said. “People come to the counter to place their order. Personal service is very important to us.”

This article is an excerpt from the October 2023 issue of Supermarket Perimeter. You can read the entire Holiday Production Planning feature and more in the digital edition here.