Los Altos Ranch Market opened its White House doors in May 2023, fulfilling the need for a Hispanic market in the area. Shelves brimming with canned goods, soda pop, and sweet treats. Pinatas perched at the ceiling and ripe produce gleaming from the open coolers. Fresh meats are displayed gourmet butcher style behind clear glass. It’s a fusion of fresh and fast, of authentically Mexican and delightfully accessible.

The market’s name, Los Altos translates as “the heights” in English. One could say that the market is the height of the Gomez family vision. “It’s a dream for our family to work together, to build something out of nothing,” says Eddie Jr. “This feels like our opportunity to do something.”

Eddie’s dad, Eduardo Sr., nods in agreement. Having grown up in Jesus Maria Jalisco in the Los Altos region of Mexico (about 3 hours from Guadalajara), he recalls his birthplace well. “Every Sunday we would all go to the church,” he says, pointing to the Market’s logo and showing me a picture from his latest trip.

The agave plant joins the steeple on the logo, paying homage to the Gomez family’s heritage. “We are closer to the sun in Los Altos,” adds Eddie Jr. “and yet our ground is cooler, so it makes for unique growing conditions. We can grow produce not found in other areas of Mexico.”

That uniqueness is what the Gomez family strives to bring to White House–celebrating the flavors authentic to the Los Altos region. The chorizo behind their meat counter, for example, is infused with a special blend of spices recalling the flavors Eddie Sr. grew up tasting.

Customers can enjoy taking home ingredients to craft their own Mexican fare, or they can purchase hot and ready delectables. Tortas, street tacos, and tamales are a few items ready for hungry mouths to devour.

“It feels good when the customers try something different,” says Eddie Sr. “Sometimes you get nervous trying something. You don’t want to waste your money on something you won’t eat. We want to make sure you’re taking home something you like.” That’s where the education element enters the Los Altos experience—customers learn the history behind the cuisine.

Whether you are familiar with the history, or whether it feels foreign to you, step inside 621 TN-76. It won’t be long before you feel like family. The Gomez family will even make sure you know how to properly pronounce the dishes. (They won’t even judge you if you accidentally eat the tamale husk.)

This article is part of a collaboration with White House Chamber of Commerce. Sarah had the honor of sharing the Los Altos story in the Chamber's recent magazine publication. Stay Positive News appreciates every opportunity to publish positive stories and thanks the White House Chamber for this opportunity.