Tindahan Food Mart celebrates 38 years

by Lucille Nolasco

Ted and Del Mendoza arrived in Manitoba in August 1988 from the Philippines. By December of that year, they had already launched a Filipino store in the Tyndall Park area of Winnipeg. They called it Tindahan Food Mart. Tindahan, literally means “store” in English.

“We thought, what do we really want as a business to start with; a Canadian convenience store or Filipino store?” shared Del. “We decided on a Filipino store that would offer new and popular products from the Philippines.

Before immigrating to Canada, the Mendoza couple tried different businesses such as buying and selling cars, hollow block manufacturing, tocino making, as well as a video store, piggery, chicken farm, and others. Drawing on these experiences helped them successfully launch their new business in Winnipeg.

Through the years, Tindahan Food Mart became known in the community for providing novel products from the Philippines and for the couple’s commitment to exceptional service to their customers.

“It was just my husband and me at first, so we really had a direct relationship with customers,” Del said. “We both speak Tagalog, so customers feel at home, and many of them became our friends and loyal patrons.”

Just like in every endeavour, Ted and Del had their share of challenges in running the business, from availability of Filipino products to looking for consistent suppliers and supplies.

“With dedication and commitment to service, as well as customer loyalty, Tindahan Food Mart has been able to thrive all these years,” Del said.

Tindahan is celebrating its 38th anniversary this year, and they are full of gratitude to all their customers who have patronized their business all these years, from their original store in Tyndall to their current location at 906 Sargent Avenue.

“We love our customers! Our gratitude to all our kababayans, especially those who were there from our original small store in Tyndall. I still see them from time to time at our Sargent location.”

Tindahan Food Mart is a 5,000-square-foot specialty grocery store along Sargent Avenue in the West End. It has a fresh meat counter, fruits and vegetables section, Philippine and Asian products in their grocery aisles, as well as hot and delicious takeout food.