The Bigger Picture in a Local Market
When I bought the small neighborhood grocery store that would later become Balboa International Market, I wasn’t just making a business decision—I was planting a seed in the community. At the time, I didn’t fully realize how that one store could grow into something that would feed not just people’s tables, but the local economy as a whole. Now, years later, I see that what happens inside the aisles of a local, independent market can ripple far beyond its four walls.
It’s easy to think of a grocery store as just a place to buy food. But for me, and for so many others who own and operate neighborhood markets, it’s much more than that. It’s a place that creates jobs, supports small vendors, and gives the community a space to gather and connect. I see the impact every day.
A Different Kind of Business
There’s a huge difference between shopping at a national chain and shopping at a local market like ours. In big-box stores, decisions about what gets stocked are made in corporate offices, often far from the neighborhoods they serve. At Balboa, our shelves reflect the voices and preferences of the people who walk through the door.
That difference matters. When someone asks if we can carry a specific spice from Afghanistan or a yogurt brand they remember from childhood, I listen—and I do my best to bring it in. That kind of personal connection doesn’t just improve the shopping experience, it builds loyalty, trust, and a sense of shared ownership.
We’re not just selling food—we’re preserving memories and supporting traditions. That builds a stronger, more culturally vibrant neighborhood, which in turn makes our local economy more resilient.
Creating Local Jobs That Matter
One of the first things I did after expanding Balboa Market was to hire more staff from the community. I wanted people who not only needed a job but also understood and cared about the diverse cultures we serve. That choice paid off in more ways than I could have imagined.
When you walk into our store, you’re greeted by someone who might speak your language, who understands your cooking traditions, and who knows exactly where to find the ingredients you need. That kind of service creates a warm, welcoming environment—and it also keeps money circulating within the community.
Every cashier, stock clerk, and cook we employ represents another person who can support their family, spend money at nearby businesses, and invest back into the local economy. That’s not something to overlook. It’s something to celebrate.
Supporting Small Producers and Distributors
One of the most powerful things we can do as independent market owners is to work with small-scale producers. Whether it’s a local baker who wants to sell homemade bread or a small import company specializing in Mediterranean staples, I’ve always tried to give space on our shelves to businesses that need a platform.
This not only introduces our customers to unique and often higher-quality products, but it also gives emerging businesses a chance to grow. Some of the vendors we started with years ago have expanded into wider distribution thanks to the exposure they got at our market. That’s incredibly rewarding to witness.
When small businesses support each other, the benefits multiply. These partnerships help build a robust local supply chain that doesn’t rely on massive corporate logistics—and that makes all of us more adaptable and sustainable.
The Market as a Community Hub
Over the years, Balboa International Market has become more than just a place to shop. It’s a gathering place. I see old friends running into each other in the aisles, new neighbors asking for recipe tips, and families picking out ingredients for a special weekend meal. This sense of connection is something that chain stores can’t replicate.
This is especially true for immigrant and multicultural communities. Finding a store that carries the food from your homeland is about more than convenience—it’s about identity, pride, and comfort. We provide that, and I believe it helps people feel more at home here.
It’s also why I eventually expanded into the restaurant and catering business. I wanted to take the next step—helping people experience the full flavor of the ingredients we sell and enjoy the shared experience of a good meal.
Looking Forward
Running an independent market is not always easy. The competition is fierce, and the margins can be tight. But the rewards—the real ones—go far beyond the bottom line. Every time I hear a customer say, “I can’t find this anywhere else,” or see a young employee learning new skills and building a future, I’m reminded why I chose this path.
Javid Javdani is just one name behind one business, but I know I’m part of a larger movement. Independent grocers across the country are quietly shaping the way our communities live, eat, and grow. We’re proving that small businesses can make a big impact.
In the end, every item we stock, every person we hire, and every product we source with care adds to something much greater than ourselves. That’s the power of a market with a mission.