Behind the Business: La Plazita Latin Market

BELLEVUE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — On Bellevue’s Main Street, a market brings the flavor of Peru to Blaine County.

Kari Mendez and her family immigrated from Peru to Idaho back in 2007. She says it was her husband’s idea to open a Latin Market after they realized many Peruvian immigrants were in the area and that people from Latin America are always looking for either ingredients or food from their home country.

While there are many of Latin markets, this one stands out because they sell products from Peru such as Sublime, Cocosette and Doña Pepa.

They also sell specific ingredients that are Peruvian, like Huancaina and seasoning mix for the traditional dish, “Lomo Saltado.”

In addition to Peruvian products, the market carries foods from different Latin American countries such as Mexican and Venezuelan snacks.

The name “La Plazita” comes from Mendez’s husband’s hometown in Peru, where there is a large tree that is featured in the store’s logo. It keeps them close to home even though they are thousands of miles away.

Mendez’s goal is to expand the store and bring in other items from her country, including pisco sour, passion fruit and custard apple. The market keeps Peruvian heritage close, not only selling food, but also clothing, piñatas and purses with accents from Peru.

They’re also able to send money orders to Latin American countries.

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