Over the last week, Council Member Dr.G (Dr. Luis S. González) took part in a week-long celebration of the 28th Anniversary of Sombrero Market. In 1998, Devin Gill purchased the commercial property at the corner of So La Cadena and N Street to establish what has become the heartbeat of our Colton economy and culture.
Everyone who lives in Colton has been to this market, and if they haven’t, they have undoubtedly heard about it and know its location. From standard grocery products and beverages, to a large selection of fresh-cut meats and a popular in-house café, Devin Gil, his son Rav Gil and their Store Managers, Karina Cabrera and Destiny Martin del Campo, have continued to serve the community by being the “go to” place for everyday needs.
Sombrero Market also offers several helpful and convenient services that cater to the practical needs of the customers. These services include check cashing, money grams, and U-Haul truck rentals. They also have an in-house jewelry repair shop that can quickly handle most jewelry problems at a reasonable price.
Currently, Sombrero Market employs 14 people, who cover the different departments (cashiers, carniceria, taqueria and stockers) seven days a week from 7:00am-9:00pm. The shelves are fully stocked, and the refrigerated cases span the entire north wall. Fresh produce is always available, and new products arrive every day.
Last Friday, from 10:00am-3:00pm, the management team hosted a free taco give-a-way for anyone who came into the store. The response was terrific. Every customer could order a couple of tacos, either chicken, asada or carnitas, and compliment it with a cool drink. In Colton, word gets around quickly, so the steady stream of regular customers was greatly augmented with a long line of “Coltonites” the entire time. According to Devin Gil., about 1,500 tacos were served and staff estimated that the event attracted over 450 visitors. “It was a great success,” said Karina, one of the store Managers who continued, “This event was not only planned to celebrate our anniversary, but to thank our customers for being there…we are grateful to them and can’t be successful without them.
To culminate the week-long event, DrG presented each employee with a CITYTALK certificate of recognition for their hard work and years of service. They are: Martha Aceves (1 year), Isabel Aguilar (2 years), Karina Cabrera (8 years), Karina Chavez (8 years), Marilu Chavez (2 years), Sandra Esparza (4 years), Maria Estrada (3 years), Diego Gamica (1 year), Nestor Garcia (11 years), Jovany Gudino (6 mos.), Javier Hernandez (4 years), Destiny Martin del Campo (20 years), Mario Mosqueda (10 years), and Lucy Villatoro (3 years).
Devin Gil, Rav Gil, and their crew are to be congratulated for their success as a local community friendly market. This year, they celebrate 28 years of successful business in the City of Colton and we truly hope that they will continue their business for years to come. DrG wanted to recognize them for their hard work, great customer service, excellent reputation special event days; and for making a valuable contribution to our community and to our local economy.