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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
Six years ago, Eli Madrigal drove to Utah in a February snowstorm to check the possibility of moving. She liked what she found: a tremendous entrepreneurial spirit coupled with a market supporting family values. She identified an important and underserved segment of the market with Utah's growing Hispanic population, which now accounts for 14 percent of the total state population, and she opened her first Rancho Markets.
The success of Eli's idea and her years of experience in the grocery industry, speaks for itself. There are now 10 Rancho Markets along the Wasatch Front, from Provo to Ogden. It's one of those businesses you drive by and wonder what's inside . . . until you visit one. What Eli has saved on an elaborate building with high overhead, she's passed back to her beloved customers with modest pricing and a great selection.
The produce you'll find at Rancho Markets is extraordinary. We're talking about items like cactus, prickly pears, white coconuts and pineapples from Costa Rica. The smaller, sweeter limes from Mexico and delectable papayas can be enjoyed within a couple days. Eli has a unique way of shopping for her produce to make sure she's getting the best. If you've travelled to Mexico or South America and found a product you like, chances are you will find it at Rancho Markets.
The other part of Rancho Markets you'd have to try to believe is the restaurant located in the store. Nuestro Cocina offers authentic Spanish favorites like carnitas, carne asada, fajitas and tamales. One of the most popular is molcajete, a bowl made from volcanic rock heated in the oven and filled with chicken, shrimp or carne asada, nopales, and jalapenos, served with fresh tortillas, beans and rice.
The economic impact from Rancho Markets is also huge with a total employee base of 400, not including trucking and delivery. Eli's indirect employment impact is unbelievable. Eli also believes in buying local and pairs with local suppliers. She works with growers from Utah and Idaho, which helps everybody be more successful and keeps dollars local.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Rancho Markets with 10 locations along the Wasatch Front
