Bonita Farmer's Market Has Everything You Desire
- Susan Heavilin
- Sep 29
- 5 min read
Sergio and Teresa Jimenez opened Bonita Farmer’s Market eleven years ago. The year was 2014.
Sergio’s background had been in communications, programming and installing phone systems for call centers. Teresa still works in the health field at Sharp Healthcare.
Sergio and Teresa cover everything . . . all the different jobs. There are meat orders, produce orders and when someone doesn’t show up, they can work the back and the front. They stack the beer cave and the sodas and I’ve noticed that everything is always nicely stocked with no empty spots.
Farm Fresh Foods: At Bonita Farmer's Market, we pride ourselves on providing quality groceries and prepared food to our community. Our market offers a wide variety of products including fresh produce, meats, dairy, eggs, bread, prepared meals and so much more. Stop by or place an order online for same-day pickup!—Bonita Farmer's Market
So how did they get into this business?
"There were many horses on the trails and the riders dreamed of carne asada after a ride, but they’d had to go far to find it.
The idea soon took off that it would be nice to have a market around here, to serve up things not found in Bonita."
Sergio and Teresa were living in El Cajon at the time and were driving to Colorado for a vacation. As they were driving through Bonita, they saw a sign on a building for rent . . . this building.
It had hosted a pizza parlor, a flower shop and then a feed store. None of them had lasted for more than three years. But now the “for rent” sign was up and Sergio and Teresa saw it.
Sergio called the number on the sign and started in negotiations with the man that answered. They spoke again the next day. They came to an agreement to rent what is now known as Bonita Farmer’s Market.
“Well, what’s next?”
Once they had the lease, Sergio said, “Well, what's next?”
“Where do we get all the stuff that goes inside?”
First, he looked in the paper and there he found it . . . an auction. A Ralph’s in Los Angeles was closing and all the equipment was for sale.
Sergio went over there and bought all the used equipment and coolers. He bought the meat case. You know the meat slicer? Yes. he still uses the one from when they first opened.
There was a 10-door cooler and they put it together. They got all the used equipment and that's how they started.
Click on images to enlarge.
Sergio was working a on a small grill, making two tri-tips a day. The wonderful aroma brought the customers in.
Sometimes, at the end of the day, there would be left over tri-tip. What should they do with it?
So, they started making tri-tip sandwiches. Those were a big hit.
What Kinds of Food Do They Have?
In the beginning, they offered beer, wine, produce and meat. The first meat case was just eight feet long.
In 2022, they decided to do an expansion. The permits held them up a bit and they started processing after COVID.
And as they upgraded their market, they also expanded their menu. First there was tri-tip, then tri tip sandwiches, beans, rice, guacamole, tortillas, chips and all that.
They now offer a selection of almost everything you might be craving. Order online or show up at the Market. Items include hot meals, smoked foods, tacos, tortas, ceviche and cold cooked foods.
"Meals to Order: From tortas to smoked food, our authentic and delicious meals are guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. Place an order for same-day pickup and delivery."
Smoked orders are available after 1pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. You can order back beef ribs, beef ribs, chicken, pork ribs, tri-tip and turkey breast.
All the meat is cut on the premises. They use a high-quality meat from Colorado called Cedar River. It’s hard to get because there is a shortage of beef right now.
Click on images to enlarge.
What’s special about Cedar River beef is that they butcher the animal two years before everyone else. The cattle receive no antibiotics or hormones or anything like that the last 365 days of their life.
Cold cooked food may be found in containers in the refrigerated unit. My family loves the frijol/beans and arroz/rice (along with their guacamole and fresh tortillas). But you can also pick up Carne Desebrada, Chicharron Salsa Verde, Ensalada de Macarroni, Ensalad de Papa, Fish Cerviche, Mole de Pollo, Shrimp Ceviche, Picadillo and Tinga de Pollo . . . just to name a few.
Click on images to enlarge.
To see everything they have, you'll want to go to their website.
Planning a Special Event?
Bonita’s Farmers Market also offers bulk ordering. Are you planning a meeting or special event? Place your order online and then pick it up in time for your event.
What Will The Future Bring?
Sergio is constantly coming up with new ideas of ways they can better serve their customers.
Last year they applied for a liquor license. They do a lottery and sometimes it takes as long as five years. Every year you have to resubmit your name in the lottery. Sergio’s friend told him he should do it. He filled out the paperwork and they got the tasting license.
The events will begin as soon as they get their license . . . any minute now.
Customers will be able to attend a special tasting event for beer, wine and liquor. Basically, the company comes in, puts up the booth and give you a taste.
For example, you want to try a new wine. The vendor has set up a table and you tell them the wines you would like to taste. You sample the different wines and choose your favorite. They hand you the bottle of your preferred wine, you pay for it and take it home that evening.
Similar special events will take place for beer-tasting and alcohol-tasting.
Click on images to enlarge.
When is Bonita Farmer's Market open?
Monday 7AM – 7PM
Tuesday 7AM – 7PM
Wednesday 7AM – 8PM
Thursday 7AM – 8PM
Friday 7AM – 8PM
Saturday 7AM – 8PM
Sunday 7AM – 6PM
Holidays 7AM – 3PM
Click on image to enlarge.
Bonita Farmer’s Market
1580 Bonita Road
Suite M
Bonita, California 91902
619.292.3115
Don't forget, Bonita Farmer's Market has several hitching posts for you to tie your horse up. You can ride over and grab a drink & snack. Or you can stay a little longer and enjoy a Smashburger, Tri-tip sandwich or maybe a plate of burritos and tacos. It's all good!
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