Ingleside is losing one of its small specialty markets.
In 2022, Westwood Produce opened and set out to supply a variety of Asian products. Just more than two years later, the grocer is closing its doors on Aug. 30 due to competition and an increase in the cost of goods, rent, utilities and other business expenses.
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“I think we weren’t able to quite find that one product that brought a lot of new people in,” co-owner Eduard Puchin said. “I think the other places have fresh food, fresh other things but we, due to licensing stuff, we’re just not allowed to do it in this space. Being just me, at this point, running it, it’s also like a time constraint thing.”
The store is offering 30% off the entire store or 40% off purchases of $100 or more. Items still available include, sauces, drinks, snacks like peanuts, dried produce like seaweed and mushrooms and other fresh fruits and frozen goods.
Things that are not sold will be given to local restaurants and donated to charities.
“I was thrilled when Westwood Produce opened, as the store was a clean and convenient option to get Asian goods on Ocean Ave,” said Ellen Lo, creator of Ask Me SF and artist behind the store’s window display. “Though business often seemed slow, likely due to the overlap of goods between All Fresh Market and Ocean Seafood, I would regularly try to shop there just to support the store.”
Puchin said that he’s enjoyed getting to know the neighborhood’s residents over the years, learning everyone’s food preferences and becoming more educated in specialized cuisines so he could offer those ingredients.
While he isn’t sure what he’ll do next, Puchin hopes to stay in the food business. He may open a coffee shop.
Westwood Produce is selling everything in stock. | Anne Marie Kristoff/Ingleside Light
“Westwood Produce was a charm to have in the neighborhood,” Ocean Avenue Association Small Business and Marketing Manager Rosendo Betancourt said. “I loved grabbing quick groceries with a friendly staff there. I'm thankful Westwood Produce participated in our events and supported our organization. I wish the owner all the best and luck in their future endeavors.”
The storefront will not stay empty for long. Puchin said a Mexican specialty grocer will be taking its place.
“I really enjoyed this in the sense that the original goal of opening this place was to provide food to the community and I feel like we definitely accomplished that,” Puchin said. “You saw with just the customers coming in, we have a close relationship with the whole community here. I think that that kind of really made the experience worth it.”
Anne Marie Kristoff (she/her) is a recent graduate from San Francisco State University's journalism program. She enjoys writing about the arts, entertainment and nature.
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