How to Start a Mexican Grocery Store

A Mexican grocery store offers customers traditional and authentic Mexican and Hispanic groceries, including vegetables and produce, meats, spices, and canned goods.

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.

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Start a Mexican grocery store by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Mexican Grocery Store
  2. Form your Mexican Grocery Store into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Mexican Grocery Store for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Mexican Grocery Store
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Mexican Grocery Store
  7. Get Mexican Grocery Store Insurance
  8. Define your Mexican Grocery Store Brand
  9. Create your Mexican Grocery Store Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your Mexican grocery store. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Mexican Grocery Store Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening a Mexican grocery store?

Initial costs will mainly be focused on your brick and mortar location, as you have to rent or buy a store location. Following this investment, you will need to earmark a substantial amount of money on renovating, updating, and creating a functioning grocery store floor plan. It may be possible to purchase a grocery store location as a turnkey space, ready for customers in a short amount of time, but be cautious as to why the previous owner is selling the business. From here, you will need;

  • Business and employee insurance
  • Utilities and internet service
  • Commercial trash and recycling services
  • Advertising and marketing
  • Stocking your shelves

What are the ongoing expenses for a Mexican grocery store?

Other than rent or mortgage payments, phone, internet, and utilities, the majority of your ongoing costs will be restocking your shelves. It is advisable to continue to work heavily with a few select distributors or suppliers to help create opportunities for deals on quantity or repeat orders. Many of your product suppliers will be understanding of your specialty status, as they are often in the same position of offering specialty items to a limited customer base. Use your communication and persuasion skills wisely.

Who is the target market?

Primarily, you will be targeting Mexican families and restaurants, while customers who crave authentic culinary recipes may also be a subset of your customer base who will spread the word about your business to seemingly unrelated potential customers, only to see your business branch out in new and profitable directions.

How does a Mexican grocery store make money?

Money for your business will be generated through the sales of your products.

How much can you charge customers?

Pricing should be relative to the other specialty stores or “ethnic” sections in larger chain stores. Your pricing should be competitive, yet profitable.

How much profit can a Mexican grocery store make?

The earnings are varied, depending on the strength of the customer base you attract. Clearing $75,000 annually would be considered a good profit margin, but beware of large chain supermarkets who can cut into your profit via bulk buys and pre-determined supply chains. work to make your store unique.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Many successful Mexican grocery stores find that offering non-perishable, yet traditional Mexican or Hispanic items, such as clothing, music and media, and party/celebration supplies help offset some of the grocery costs. Additionally, many stores are coupled with restaurants, where the same items sold in the store are used in the menu items. This form of on the spot marketing is often very successful in attracting and retaining customers.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your Mexican grocery store is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your Mexican grocery store were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

Ready to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Reality?

Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

Federal Business Licensing Requirements

There are federal regulations regarding what can and cannot be added to, sold as, and processed with food. Attached is a resource from the Food and Drug Administration detailing the process of starting a food business: How to Start a Food Business

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a Mexican grocery store business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Certificate of Occupancy

A Mexican grocery store business is generally run out of a storefront. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a Mexican grocery store business.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your Mexican grocery store business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

Food Regulations

When selling food, you will need licensing from a local health department; all establishments serving food are required to pass a health inspection. Tips for faring well on a health inspections

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Mexican Grocery Store needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Mexican Grocery Store.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a Mexican grocery store

Small billboards, local papers, community events and groups, online forums and social media, and business cards and flyers, strategically placed regionally will begin to draw customers in, with secondary growth derived from word of mouth customer reviews and recommendations.

How to keep customers coming back

Be personable. Talk to your customers and ask what they would desire in a grocery store. Some products may need to be imported from out of the U.S., but they will add to the authentic nature of your store. Get to know your return customers more personally and give them a sense of community within your local grocery store.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

If your background includes time spent working for grocery or convenience store, have managerial experience or even extensive retail experience, as well as a shared love for traditional and authentic Mexican flavors, this may be the perfect endeavor.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a Mexican grocery store?

Your biggest concern, day to day will be servicing your customers and making sure your shelves stay stocked and prepared for new and existing customers. Interaction with your patrons is quite critical, as you are often an independent store, unable to lean on the strength of a chain store’s reputation and advertising. Therefore, you must promote your business through positive word of mouth and store interactions. Additionally, you will need to;

  • Conduct inventories and re-order products
  • Advertise and market through various outlets, both free and paid
  • Create relationships with your distributors and cultivate new contacts for products and supplies
  • Study trends in authentic and new traditional Mexican and Hispanic cuisine

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful Mexican grocery store?

Since this type of business relies heavily on capturing and retaining customer business and loyalty, it is critical that you can communicate clearly and effectively, including the ability to speak related languages. Interact with your customers to keep a pulse of what they want. And, as mentioned previously, experience in retail or grocery stores will be quite beneficial in understanding the supply side of the business. Creating positive relations with your suppliers and distributors will help streamline much of your business, as well as drive down overhead costs. Finally, experience as a restaurateur or chef may also give great insight into the needs or flavors which will be the best draws for customers.

What is the growth potential for a Mexican grocery store?

Depending on the area in which you are located, you can create a thriving and profitable store, capable of becoming a niche location for customers looking for authentic and traditional Mexican cuisine options. Before deciding to open this type of store, make sure you’ve researched the location and the prevalence of other similar stores in your area. Since this is a business which could be classified as specialty, you will want to make sure there isn’t over-saturation, which will fracture the business you may receive.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a Mexican grocery store?

Since your store will be considered a specialty or niche business, you’ll need to tap into the local communities which will most likely support your business. Look for opportunities to present your store through Mexican and Hispanic community or cultural events, culinary exhibitions, and other related groups. You should aim your marketing efforts at those in the community who would be most interested in the authentic foods and flavors your business will sell. At the same time, you also want to market to other members of your local community who may be unaware of the existence of your type of business. Look for opportunities locally to introduce a Mexican grocery store to a non-Mexican or Hispanic group who appreciates authentic flavors and products. Farmer’s markets and arts and crafts fairs may be worthwhile events to target for advertising or even a booth to present your wares.

How and when to build a team

From the beginning, you will need at least a few other employees on hand to help with retail sales and customer service, stocking shelves and store maintenance, as well as an accountant or bookkeeper, if you are not willing or able to tackle that job yourself. Keep in mind that the startup and initial 4-6 months of being open will be a critical time to create a foothold for your business. You will need a capable and multi-faceted staff on board to help you manage the multitude of tasks you’ll be handling during this period of time. Choose wisely.

Useful Links

Real World Examples