Change is in the air. Masatani’s Market is closing in Guadalupe, possibly replaced by another business, run by someone else. MM has been part of Guadalupe’s community since 1922. When the Masatani family was interned during World War II, the community welcomed their return and supported the business ever since.
It really was the unofficial center of town. You’d get caught up with familiar faces and/or stop for a chat with Brian about town happenings.
Before it was Brian and Tina, Harry and Kim held court, and before them, Harry’s parents. The market saw generations pass through its doors. Masatani’s Market will now be part of Guadalupe’s past, like the pool halls, the Basque House and Far Western, the Vet’s Hall noon alarm, Bud Wong’s, or Leroy Park’s massive trees.
I feel like my best buddy is moving away, strangers are coming to live in his house, and there’s not a bleeping thing I can do about it.
Now, progress is good, inevitable—big fan! But Masatani’s Market was one of my constants, and I’ll miss the blue-smocked people, ordering from a butcher, finding my pancit noodles and Calrose rice, the sloped driveway exit … I’ll miss a Guadalupe constant that so many of us grew up with. But I’ll also celebrate their retirement and remain excited for the next chapter in my friends’ (and extended family’s) lives.
For now, sigh, onward.
Al Nunez Jr.
Guadalupe
This article appears in Dec 12-22, 2024.