Deisy Argueta recently took the plunge to become a business owner. After working for others over the years, running a market has been a natural transition.

    “I decided to go into business for myself and to help pay for college for my children,” she said.
    She opened the Latin Market two months ago in the Longacre Village Center on Route 13 north of Woodside.

    Inside the market, there is a wide selection of food, snacks and drinks originating from Central and South America, and Mexico. Tamarindo and Horchata drinks are joined by other Mexican, Guatemalan and El Salvadoran brands, as well as American counterparts.

    The refrigerated and freezer section has pre-made pupusas, tamales, plantains, chorizo and other regional favorites. Down the snack isles, there are cookies, chips and other foods that remind many customers of home. Phone cards and money orders also are big sellers, she said.

    “People from each area usually come in and look for specific products,” Arguata said, adding the stores location near a 55-plus community has brought in some welcome foot traffic.

    “We have a lot of Americans who’ve come in and tried different items,” she said.

    The Latin Market is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

    For more information, call the Latin Market at 698-3030.

Email Melissa K. Steele at melissa.steele@doverpost.com.