Guided by the principles of hard work, humility, and community service instilled by our families
we remain committed to giving back to those who have enabled our success.
Guided by the principles of hard work, humility, and community service instilled by our families, we remain committed to giving back to those who have enabled our success. Ours is a testament to the American Dream — where diligence and dedication know no boundaries. God Bless America!
History
With roots tracing back to the 1960s, our family legacy in the food industry began with my grandfather’s establishment of a small Grocery Business in the Dominican Republic upon his return from Naval service. Continuing the tradition, my father expanded the family enterprise, eventually immigrating to the United States in 1983. In 1986, he realized his dream by opening a bodega in Brooklyn, where I, too, became immersed in the family trade, starting at the age of 14.
In 2001, our journey led us to Florida, where we inaugurated Plaza Popular Supermarket in Kissimmee, a Latin-centric establishment that I helped manage for a decade. Similarly, my wife’s family shared a parallel narrative, with her parents migrating to the U.S. in the early ’80s and establishing a Small Grocery Store in Manhattan before opening El Grande Supermarket in Tampa in 2005.
In 2011, my father-in-law and I seized an opportunity, acquiring Thrifty Specialty Produce from the Bak Family and rebranding it as Thrifty Specialty Produce & Meats. What began as a modest venture primarily focused on fresh produce has since evolved into a comprehensive offering encompassing meats, groceries, seafood, deli, hot food, and bakery goods.
Starting with a team of just eight employees, our growth has been fueled by the unwavering support of our community. Today, our flagship location in Palm Bay employs over 60 individuals with our Rockledge location employing over 50 more with additional locations in Melbourne and St. Cloud contributing to a workforce of approximately 50 more for each store.
About Us
Nestled in the heart of Palm Bay & Rockledge, our establishment stands as a beacon of affordable excellence, priding ourselves on delivering top-tier products, exceptional service, and an impeccably clean environment. What sets us apart is our specialization in specialty produce and an expansive array of meat cuts, distinguishing us from conventional chain outlets.
Our shelves boast a diverse selection of traditional and international grocery items, showcasing flavors from South America, the Caribbean, Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. Moreover, we proudly offer the largest assortment of fresh seafood in the county, complete with personalized service options such as cleaning, gutting, cutting, or filleting upon request.
At our full-service Hot Food bar, patrons indulge in freshly prepared Latin cuisine crafted daily from scratch. Catering services extend to both local businesses and private gatherings. Meanwhile, our in-house Bakery whips up delectable Latin baked goods every day, complemented by a wide variety of hot beverages including authentic Cuban-style coffee, oatmeal, and hot chocolate.
Venture into our Hot Food and Bakery sections, and you’ll embark on a culinary journey reminiscent of distant shores or the vibrant atmosphere of Miami.
Setting ourselves apart from the competition, particularly in the realm of produce, we source directly from farmers and markets, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring a consistently fresh selection while passing on these cost savings directly to our valued customers.
Thrifty Specialty Produce & Meats
Our Values
Community-Centric Approach
We prioritize our community’s needs and well-being, striving to be a cornerstone of support and collaboration in every endeavor.
Quality Assurance
We are committed to sourcing the freshest produce, finest meats, and diverse international foods, ensuring top-notch quality in every product we offer.
Customer Satisfaction
Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We go above and beyond to provide exceptional service, personalized attention, and a welcoming shopping experience.
Integrity and Transparency
Honesty and transparency guide our actions. We operate with integrity in all aspects of our business, maintaining trust and credibility with our customers, suppliers, and employees.
Family Values
We celebrate diversity and embrace the rich tapestry of cultures represented in our community. Our wide selection of international foods reflects our commitment to inclusivity and cultural appreciation.
We celebrate diversity and embrace the rich tapestry of cultures represented in our community. Our wide selection of international foods reflects our commitment to inclusivity and cultural appreciation.
We recognize our responsibility to minimize our environmental footprint. Through sustainable practices and eco-friendly initiatives, we strive to contribute positively to the health of our planet.
Continuous Improvement
We are dedicated to ongoing growth and learning. By seeking feedback, embracing innovation, and adapting to changing needs, we continuously improve our offerings and operations.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Giving back is ingrained in our ethos. We actively engage in philanthropic initiatives and community outreach efforts, leveraging our resources to make a positive impact on those in need.
Support for Local Producers
We prioritize partnerships with local farmers and producers, supporting the local economy and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
