I used to love to go grocery shopping with Mom while growing up in Spokane, Wash. We always shopped at the local grocer, Rosauers market. She also took me to her cousin’s fruit stand for huge, sweet apples and produce.
We lived down the street from a small mom-and-pop shop that had the best candy! I still remember buying licorice pipes and mustachios (they looked great together), mini-wax bottles with liquid sugar called Nik-L-Nips, and ice cold chocolate Yoo-hoos!
Ever since, I’ve always preferred smaller grocery stores to corporate chains and big box alternatives. When I moved to Arroyo Grande 11 years ago, I discovered that even paradise has its own little piece of heaven. It’s called J.J.’s Market and deli, a local, family-owned grocery store situated atop the Mesa, just off Highway 1.
J.J.’s Market is named for original owners Joey and Jerry Solari, who opened the chain of five markets in the late 1970s. Current owners Gordon “Gordie” Foy and wife Tracy bought the only remaining store situated on the Mesa in 1994.
Store manager Marty Van Beveren has been with the store for 11 years. “I came on board as an assistant manager to help open the store on the Mesa,” he said. “The place was empty when I arrived and I helped stock all the shelves.”
He continued, “What I like about our market is our ability to cater to what the neighborhood needs. We get to know the customers and give them exactly what they are looking for.”
It’s that personal touch that brings people from Nipomo, Guadalupe, the rural areas around both towns, and beyond to shop here. And no wonder! The staff is helpful, informative, friendly, and considerate. They even carry your groceries to your car and load them in for you!
Foy is always open to adding products when customers suggest them. The Foys are also very supportive of the local community, and several local teens have even gotten their first job at J.J.’s Market.
The store is small but packed with great products, including locally produced items like barbecue sauces, honey, soaps, and baked goods. They also have a comprehensive beer and wine section that includes local vintages. Plus, they carry my favorite morning brew, SLO Roasted Coffee, and they even brew some up for those on the run.
They also have a nice selection of natural and organic goods. Are you a gluten-free glutton? J.J.’s gluten-free zone is filled with all kids of products and baked goods sans the gluten.
Produce is local, seasonal, and excellent. Produce manager Danny knows what’s in season and tastes best, and he’s always ready to offer a sample. Holiday red globe grapes and apples from See Canyon are in, and autumn oranges, squashes, and pears fill the shelves.
I love to buy locally grown Swiss chard, lettuce, radishes, celery, beets, broccoli, and baby Brussels sprouts. During the summer my husband and grandson reveled in sweet watermelons, peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, and berries of all kinds.
There is also a small but excellent organic section filled with fresh fruit and veggies daily. Baskets brimming with miniature, organic cherry tomatoes cost $5.99 and are worth every penny. The tomatoes are sweet and juicy, superb for salads and snacking.
For my money, the meat section has terrific values. J.J.’s Market stocks top grade beef, chicken, and pork, as well as terrific sausages for grilling, lox for your morning schmear, and fresh fish, scallops, and shrimp.
The deli section carries Boar’s Head meats and cheeses and stocks several varieties of salads, side dishes, entrees, and bake-at-home pizzas. The deli staff make superb sandwiches, and there’s always a daily hot lunch special and piping hot soups.
Love smoke? Every day their smoker and barbecue is going full steam outside, as grill-master Doug prepares terrific tri-tip, beef and pork ribs, and barbecue chicken, and the rotisseries are working the succulent chickens sold daily at a terrific price! These lovely birds are a wonderful dinner-in-a-hurry option, especially if you pair them with the oven roasted potato wedges and fresh, steamed veggies offered with the nightly dinner special, prepared by Chef Steve Bergstrom.
Chef Steve’s dinners will rock your world and please your palate with entrees that include chicken Florentine or Milanese, stuffed pork roast, turkey dinner, prime rib, or filet mignon. Entrees include steamed veggies and rice or potatoes. His signature corned beef and cabbage with boiled potatoes and carrots will make your eyes smile—whether they’re Irish or not!
With the Haggen stores now closing, there are fewer options available for the community in this area (Vons in Grover Beach or Nipomo and Trader Joe’s in Arroyo Grande). The superb produce, meats, deli service, and friendly staff are what make J.J.’s Market a terrific place for all your grocery and deli needs. They truly are your local grocers!
Ariel Waterman loves Chef Steve’s homemade chicken salad. She pairs it with crackers and grapes. Send some to her editor Shelly Cone at [email protected].
