"We saw the potential, the opportunity that was there," said Tomas Dominguez, considered a pioneer in the ethnic food market. "The demand was growing, not only to serve certain populations, but to serve the community in general. As a culture, we're becoming more of a melting pot, and this store reflects that."
The Calvos' daughter, Vivian, and her husband, Marc Iannotti, came on board to manage the Lynn supermarket when it opened. The couple, who live in Swampscott, have a daughter and twins on the way. Iannotti had been working as a financial advisor before making the career change.
"My in-laws had been talking to me about coming into the business and I decided it was time to make a move," he said. "It was a steep learning curve at first."
Looking back, he has no regrets.
"I can't imagine doing anything else," he said. "It's been very rewarding and very much fun."
The decision has also panned out to be a good business move. Though there were challenges and missteps early on, sales have more than doubled in the past few years.
"We've had some outside help - an ethnic supermarket guru who's been a mentor to me, a produce manager who's really turned around that department," said Iannotti. "It's been a tremendous metamorphosis. And that's a tribute to the employees and the patience of the owners."
The Lynn supermarket employs nearly 30 workers, 90 percent of whom are Lynn residents. Nearly 70 percent have remained since the store's opening. According to Iiannoti, those employees have truly made the business the success that it is.
"The people who work here really care about the store and about the customers," he said. "Good relationships make all the difference in the world."
He also credits the assistance of the Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC/Lynn), which enabled the owners to move forward with interior renovations and the installation of new refrigeration equipment.
"Without EDIC, we wouldn't have opened," said Iannotti. "We were able to really renew the frozen, meat and produce space and change the face of the store. They bent over backwards to help us come in here."
"EDIC was glad to help the Iannotti and Calvo families to achieve their dream. They have been very successful and very involved in the community. We wish them continued success," said EDIC/Lynn Executive Director James M. Cowdell.
Currently, the family is renovating the Chelsea store, upgrading shelving and putting in a greater variety of products. There have been discussions to open a third location, but a decision has not been formalized.
"We're here in Chelsea and Lynn for the long haul," said Iannotti. "We're certainly looking to serve ethnic populations in other communities, but it would have to be the right opportunity." |
