La Tapatía Market — Restaurant in Gresham

I have contacted the Health & Safety Department to make sure our humble Hispanic/Latino community is treated rightfully & respectfully after this store failed to ensure consumer products are not expired & safe to consume. I requested an investigation on their poor practices. (BELOW IS A COPY OF THE FORMAL COMPLAINT)

Director, Public Health Multnomah County Public Health Administrator, Interim Director, Health Department, Health Officer Multnomah County, Oregon Tri-County Health Officer, Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington Counties

To whom it may concern:

I reach out to you in an attempt to review an incident where a store knowingly sells products that have been poorly refrigerated and have expired upon the shelf before the expiration date. La Tapatia Market at 18330 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97233 refuses to honor a full refund or exchange for the product. I purchased 3 Jelley Brown Mi Avenita oat drinks which were visibly expired and clearly not consumable. I can’t imagine how many customers consumed products here that have not been refrigerated or stored properly. I’m certain customers have to endure poor management behavior just like I did since Luis with management mocked and ridiculed me upon my complaint about the product. This is a sign they have been doing this for a very long time while turning customers down and dismissing the dilemma while profiting off the customers loss. Also, this hasn’t been the only incident myself, friends and family have purchased products that haven’t been edible from this store. Most of the time it’s been dismissed and product simply gets thrown out. This is unacceptable. This store is in dire need of a visit from The Health Department to ensure they are complying with health & safety...

I have a love/hate relationship with La Tapatía Market. Note: Im referring to the grocery supermarket, not including the flea market.

Pros: A lot of Mexican products you typically wouldn't find somewhere else. All kinds of cheese such as queso botanero and cotija, Boing juices, different kids of Chamoy, Cecina meat, etc. Basically, if you want to make any Mexican dish, you'll likely be able to find your ingredients here. Everything is neatly organized and displayed. Employees are nice and helpful. Places to eat and snack. There is a food truck outside and inside a small restaurant (menu in picture) as well as a snack post where you can have tortas, gorditas, tostilocos, etc 😋

Cons: Narrow and cramped isles. Especially during the weekend when a lot of people doing grocery shopping. Some of the isles are so cramped that it can only fit one cart going in one direction. Small parking lot just isn't able to accommodate the traffic on the weekends. You'll most likely be spending some time getting into the parking lot and then looking for parking. Prices are kinda high for some of their products. Maybe this is typical of any Mexican supermarket in Portland, not sure since I haven't gone to many, but I feel that you'd probably be able to get some of these products cheaper at a Grocery Outlet or Walmart. I suggest buying here only the items you can't find somewhere else to...

You can find many Hispanic foods and products. It has a "carnicería" (meat department) and you can get anything from pork, chicken and beef; you can get some cooked food, but it's mostly pork like carnitas, chicarrones, etc. There is a cremería (dairy), here you'll find queso fresco, Oaxaca, rayado, requesón, crema de mesa and oaxaqueña, arroz con leche, ceviche, fresh homemade salsas and many more. Also, there is a tortilleria where you can get warm tortillas and masa for tamales. It has it's own bakery with delicious Hispanic bread and tres leches cakes (which I highly recommend) or regular cakes ideal for birthdays. A produce department can be found with some fruits and veggies, however, is very limited and small. Finally, you on the grocery aisles you'll find candies, spices, cereals and many many more things that wouldn't find in a regular grocery store.

My experience here has been great. I've been here on weekends and you won't be waiting in the line for more than 10 minutes (maybe I'm exaggerating, could be less). It's clean and organized. Very friendly staff and you can pay with cash, debit or credit card. Prices are okay but like I said there are products you won't find in a regular grocery store, so I'm okay with their prices. You should visit...