Grocer serves UNM area

by Patricia Dworzak

Daily Lobo

The Grocery Emporium looks small from the outside.

But upon entry, one will see it is stocked full with aisles of flowers, fruits, vegetables, specialty foods and basic items.

"I've been shopping here for 15 years - a long time. It could be 20," Betty Camunez said. "I no longer live in the area. I moved four years ago. I like to come back."

The emporium is near UNM and TVI. About 10 percent of customers are students, owner Dave Bromberg said.

"I shop here often," said Chris Maxwell, a UNM graduate student. "I like the deli. The sandwiches are fantastic. I like the groceries. They're better than regular grocery stores."

Bromberg said they always have some sort of discount for students.

"Right now we have a free gallon of milk with a $10 purchase," he said. "We also have good lunch specials on the sandwiches."

The Grocery Emporium, a locally owned store at 1403 Girard Blvd., has been in business for 20 years.

Even though the emporium is a small neighborhood store, Bromberg doesn't worry about competition with chain grocery stores.

"Yeah, we're concerned about big chains but not worried," he said. "We run our own market. We work twice as hard for half as much. You really have to love the business to be in it."

In 1985, Bromberg bought the store. In 1995, he leased it to John Brooks for 10 years. Last summer, he took over the emporium again.

"I always had a special place for this store," Bromberg said. "I wanted to bring business back to where it used to be."

A pound of organic vine-ripened tomatoes sells for 99 cents. A box of macaroni and cheese goes for $1.29. The fruits and vegetables are all organic. They also stock Boar's Head deli meats and certified Angus beef.

Adam White, a regular costumer, said on weekends, customers can buy freshly made breakfast burritos. The store also carries freshly baked scones, bagels and breads. The only thing it does not stock is alcohol, White said.

Ernie Padilla has worked there since the store opened. He said the store caters to people who want special foods and is well known for carrying specialty items.

"We still make deliveries to people in the area," Padilla said. "We cater to our customers. Every customer is known by name, not a number."

Padilla said the emporium makes its customers feel welcome and important.

"The shoppers are very friendly, almost like family," said Anna-Marie Sanchez, a full-time employee. "I see them every day. The store has a warm, friendly and fun atmosphere."

Ryan Bromberg, the owner's son, said his dad tries to keep his employees happy, and he is willing to work around their schedules to keep his store running like a team.

"Dave's really good about working with you around classes," said Jackie Morgan, a part-time employee and TVI student. "I love working here. It's great."

Padilla said the building dates back to the 1920s.

"There were only four or five streets when the store went up," he said. "It was the Cottonwood Mall of its time, a place where people in the community would gather and gossip. People still sit outside and talk about gossip in the neighborhood."