A new Latin-owned specialty food market is now open in the Lake Norman area

Jimador Mexican Market has opened in Denver, bringing hard-to-find Mexican products and local produce to the Lake Norman area.

Before, area residents have had to travel 30 minutes or more to Lincolnton, Charlotte or Mooresville to shop in Mexican markets, co-owner Valente Arizpe told CharlotteFive. Now, they’ll find a convenient and colorful spot right in Denver to stop in and browse for the staples they grew up with while listening to Hispanic music playing over the store’s speakers.

For now, the market — decorated with papel picado hanging above the shelves— is stocking goods mostly from Mexico, but Arizpe and co-owner Julian Aguirre are hoping to expand to other Latin foods in the near future.

“We’re both trying to expand the understanding of Hispanic culture in Denver,” Arizpe said.

Customers will find the shelves stocked with aguas frescas, every flavor of Jarritos they can imagine and bottles of Mexican Coke, along with all kinds of snacks, spices, hot sauces and chiles. There are a few paper products, too, along with milk and fresh cheeses such as Panela, queso fresco and Oaxaca.

Produce offerings will expand over time with cactus and fresh sugar cane, but the current selection includes peppers, onions, cabbage, cucumbers, avocados and more. Arizpe and Aguirre — whose family owns the Jimador Mexican Grill and Casa Garcia in Denver, along with Los Mezquites Mexican Grill in Sherill’s Ford — are working with local farmers that supply the restaurants with tomatoes and other produce, too.

“We like supporting local businesses. It helps us, as well,” Arizpe said.

Customers looking for money transfers and notary services will find those at the market in addition to the foods. Arizpe and Aguirre want most to make sure they’re “serving the community,” they told CharlotteFive.

Jimador Mexican Market

Location: 7505 NC-73 Suite E, Denver, NC 28037