DANVILLE, Va. (rbs news now) — The community gathered Saturday to celebrate the ribbon cutting for Mini Market Tierra Caliente, a new Latin American grocery store located at 620 Westover Drive, Suite C in Danville.

The market, owned by Lilia Hernández, opened its doors October 18 with free tacos and an open invitation to explore a wide range of products from across Latin America.

Inside the store, Hernández proudly showcased aisles filled with items from Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia, Costa Rica and more.

“Right now, we have products from several countries, and we can get anything we don’t have,” Hernández told rbs news now in Spanish.

Hernández said opening the new market has been the result of years of effort and dedication.

“It took a lot of work,” she said. “We’ve spent years working toward opening our own business, but we’re getting there little by little.”

The Hernández family has deep entrepreneurial roots in the area.

Hernández also owns La Guadalupana, a taqueria and Mexican grocery store located at 10036 U.S. Highway 29 in Blairs, which she has operated since 1999.

Her son, Javier Hernández, owns Taqueria La G, a Mexican restaurant located just a few doors down from the new market in the same Westover Drive shopping center.

“It’s been a family effort — my mom, my stepdad, and my brother all worked together to make this happen,” Hernández’s daughter Yuri Grabski said. “It’s really a family business, and we’re excited to be here and to bring something more to the community.”

The store features fresh produce like avocados, plantains, and serrano peppers, as well as traditional items such as tortillas, sweet bread, cheeses, tamale ingredients, pottery, and herbal remedies.

Shoppers can also find snacks, soft drinks, cleaning supplies, religious candles, and decorations representing Tierra Caliente, the Mexican region from which the family originates.

“These are the typical hats from Tierra Caliente,” Hernández said, gesturing to a colorful display. “That’s where we come from — Michoacán and Guerrero.”

Hernández added that the family is grateful for the community’s support over the years.

“We want to thank everyone who has supported us at our other business,” she said. “Now we ask that you continue supporting us here as well. Thank you all, and blessings to everyone.”

Mini Market Tierra Caliente is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, call 434-228-7363.

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