New Latin American market opens in Citrus Heights

By Mike Hazlip—
As a first-generation immigrant from an entrepreneurial family, Merlyn Pinzon saw an opportunity to serve the local Latin American community by opening a market for specialty foods.

Inspired by her parents’ pursuit of the American Dream, the single mother of two recently leased the space next to Batteries Plus at 8025 Greenback Ln. Pinzon said she remodeled the interior herself while working full time as a manager at a janitorial company.

“I put the floor in, I bought it from the neighbors,” she said. “Of course my Dad helped me with some parts, but I did it by myself. I bought the shelves, I put up the shelves… I did a little bit of everything by myself.”

Pinzon originally came to the United States with her parents when she was four and has lived in the Sacramento area ever since.

Together with some help from her parents who own Fidelina’s Furniture Plus across the street, Pinzon opened El Mercadito Latino in April. Her 17-year-old daughter, Brisa, helps at the store while three-year-old Sofia tells everyone: “I have a store!”

Pinzon chose bright lighting to showcase the produce and canned goods she has throughout the small store. A single refrigerated display case holds cold drinks and fresh produce, while shelves along the perimeter display canned and dried goods.

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This excerpt was taken with permission from the Citrus Heights Sentinel – June 6, 2021