Gonzalez Grocery — Restaurant in Lorain

I haven't been inside Gonzalez's since Mr. G. I went in with my wife this past week, and ordered food. Mr. G's nephew was there. I didn't bring up any memories, or stories. Was just caught up in the moment of being inside that store again. Definitely different than I remember, and I can remember the exact layout of that store from those days, but it's definitely a change for the good as I was struck by the aroma of the foods. As we were checking out, me and Mr. G's nephew started talking about the Ninja Turtles. I didn't say anything, but we lost our 1st born grandson one month before his 5th birthday, and the Ninja Turtles was his favorite. For a brief moment, it felt like Mr. G, and our grandson was there. I'm thankful for Mr. G's nephew (I think that's his nephew) for continuing on. Definitely proud of him for all he has accomplished. To most it's probably just a store. To some it was a sigh of relief, because those few of us seen that Mr. G actually cared about his store, the community, and the people. We really never had that until Mr. G. We had Convenient on Beach, but if it wasn't those ladies from the early 80's, then they didn't give a care about anyone from the area, and definitely didn't care about the store. Rudy's was ok. He'd talk to you, and with you, but don't get to comfortable. Rudy didn't care about the area, the people from the area, or his store. He only cared about money, and he didn't care how you got the money. Mr. G was the change. ✔️ And those few of us knew it, because we seen it. Mr. G knew who the good ones were, and who the bad ones were, and if he thought he could steer a person on the right path, he would start the communication. Every time a local from the area had a baby, Mr. G would put their baby picture up on his board he had in the store. When my daughter was born, I couldn't wait to take him a picture of my baby girl, and her picture hung up there with the rest of the baby pictures. This was in 1998, and my baby girl is all grown up now, literally getting ready to have her 1st girl, and my 1st granddaughter any second now, and I will definitely hold her 1st baby picture up for Mr....

I love Gonzalez store because It's your typical neighborhood corner store with everything from Soup to Nuts.. pop cigarettes beer Lottery etc etc..AND it smells wonderful.. the whole neighborhood smells just wonderful..why? because in addition to your usual corner store oddities & commodities.. there's some aproned grandma or grandpa home cooking wonderful aromatic mouth watering latin fare that can be bought fresh & hot for takeout right inside! It makes me nostalgic for my kids Grandmas corner store- Dignas Delicatessen on 18th & Long.The tantalizing aroma wafting around the corner was identical. Although they didnt sell take out, they lived behind the store & often would bring a tasty plate of steaming rice & beans out to family or friends. Gonzales Store is a magical step back in time for me.. a land mark staple in Lorains local 25th St neighborhood.. Its the classic "go to" Mom & Pop store with daily different delicious old school classic lunch or dinner options "on the run" to boot.. Family Store- Friendly folks- fully stocked- good food- fair enough prices..thats why I give 5 stars for the Lorain Proud locally owned Gonzales Grocery.. AND because truly the world is a better place...

Well what can you really say when there is nothing to review. Here is the good - Store was clean, parking lot clean and plenty of spaces. the Not so Good I arrived 40 minutes prior to closing everything was shut down for hot food service. Worker was cleaning out the glass case. This seems to be a pattern as El Kefon was closed although stated it was open online. The few baked goods left were a few loaves of bread and sweet breads. This is like a convenient inconvenient store. You can get your sodas, chips and some plastic plates or a few can goods probably that is it for shopping. One head scratcher is based upon the reviews it seemed everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Friendly and helpfulness was not the case on this first and last visit. The workers were almost hostile with their looks and body language. Even two people in mid conversation(spanish) turn around to see whom they were looking at. Not a place I would return too nor shop. I did an about face to...