There may be a lot more pinatas at parties in Martin County since they are now available in
a variety of colors and forms at one of Williamston’s newest businesses, Tienda Sinai.
The new Mexican grocery market opened last week a few blocks from downtown at 504 East Main St.
Tienda Sinai offers a variety of difficult to find products that complete the search for authentic Mexican ingredients alongside traditional cooking staples.
For the Hernandez family, Rodolfo, who also serves as co-pastor at United Pentecostal Church, his daughter, Maribel Hernandez, and Rodolfo’s wife, Lucia Mendoza, the store is a bridge to meeting people, spreading tastes of Mexico and the word of God.
“My dad decided to open the store primarily to meet different people. We aren’t just selling a product or products, but more than anything to reach people where they are and use this location as a preaching point,” said the store manager Maribel. “We want to invite Jesus Christ into the lives of people and show them that he is the way, life and the truth.”
While the word of God may be one of the principal reasons for opening, the word on the street is the market is a tremendous addition to Williamston.
The Chamber of Commerce grand opening celebration drew rave reviews of Lucia’s food.
The shelves in the store are filled with a selection of products from Mexico sharing shelf space with more traditional products. Twinkies and Hostess cupcakes neighbor packages of Bubu Lubu and Duvalin. Bubu Lubu is a brand of Mexican chocolate bar featuring strawberry and marshmallow ingredients covered in chocolate. Duvalin is a candy spread available in many flavors.
One of the most popular items in the store to date are the Paletas, a Mexican ice cream styled bar made with fruit and cream, served on a stick, like a popsicle, but offering more flavor.
Although the family has prior retail experience, this is their first venture into the grocery business. One wouldn’t suspect that from Lucia’s daily selection of baked goods, flan and other Mexican-style sweet and savory items, filling the pastry case.
“We offer a variety of Mexican grocery products which include different sorts of beverages, desserts, hot tortillas daily, freshly made salsas, Mexican bread and even cleaning products. Overall just a variety of Mexican products that you may not find at your local grocery mart,” explained Maribel.
“Back in October of 2023 is when we began looking for a location. November is when we decided this location would be the perfect spot.”
With the help of Marco Lorea the family worked until June remodeling the space.
“We have this location also to meet people and touch lives by inviting them to our church. We want to reach as many people as possible no matter the race, circumstance or beliefs. We want people to feel the love of God, showing them that love is what conquers all. And we also believe that we are one nation under God and in God we trust,” said Maribel Hernandez.
Tienda Sinai is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to p.m., Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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