A Lesson From My Earliest Days
Long before I opened the doors to Balboa International Market or expanded into the restaurant and catering world, I learned an important lesson about quality. In my younger years, working jobs at gas stations, car washes, and restaurants while putting myself through school, I saw firsthand how people responded to care and effort. Whether it was a perfectly cleaned windshield or a meal served just right, quality left an impression. It wasn’t about being fancy or expensive — it was about doing things right, consistently.
That principle stayed with me through pharmacy school at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona and later at the University of the Pacific-Stockton. Becoming a pharmacist taught me that quality isn’t optional; it’s critical. When you are dealing with people’s health, attention to detail and high standards are non-negotiable. I carried that same mindset into everything I’ve built since — and especially into Balboa Market and Sufi Mediterranean Cuisine.
Building a Business with Integrity
When I first purchased the small neighborhood grocery store that would become Balboa International Market, I knew my mission had to be clear. I wasn’t just selling products — I was creating a place where families could trust that what they were buying was fresh, authentic, and fairly priced. I expanded the store, widened the product offerings, and made sure that no matter where a customer came from — whether Iran, Turkey, Russia, India, or elsewhere — they would find a little piece of home here.
That only works when quality is the top priority. I didn’t want people to come once and be disappointed. I wanted them to come back again and again, knowing that Balboa Market would always deliver. We pay attention to everything, from sourcing ingredients to training staff, because every part of the experience matters.
Javid Javdani believes that customers can sense when you cut corners — and they deserve better. That’s why quality will always be the backbone of my businesses.
Sourcing the Best
One of the things I enjoy most about running Balboa Market is finding new products from around the world to bring to our shelves. It’s not enough for something to be trendy or popular. It has to meet our standards. We look for suppliers who share our commitment to freshness, authenticity, and fair practices. Whether it’s halal and kosher meats, imported spices, or hard-to-find sweets from Europe and the Middle East, I take pride in the fact that every item we offer reflects the values we stand for.
The same philosophy applies at Sufi Mediterranean Cuisine and our catering services. Every dish we serve is made with high-quality ingredients, prepared with care, and presented with pride. Our guests can taste the difference, and that’s why they trust us with their most important events — from weddings to business lunches to family celebrations.
Investing in People
Quality isn’t just about the products we sell; it’s also about the people who make the experience what it is. From the very beginning, I have made it a point to invest in my employees — offering good training, treating them with respect, and making sure they feel like part of the family. When you have happy, knowledgeable employees who believe in what they are doing, the customer feels that warmth and professionalism.
At Balboa Market, I’m proud to say that many of our staff members have been with us for years. They know our customers by name. They take the time to answer questions, offer cooking tips, or recommend a new product to try. That kind of service doesn’t happen by accident — it’s part of a culture that prioritizes quality at every level.
Staying True to the Mission
Over the years, as our business has grown, it would have been easy to take shortcuts to save money or expand faster. But I have always come back to the same question: Will this decision uphold the quality that our customers expect and deserve?
For me, growth only matters if it strengthens what we have built, not weakens it. I believe that’s why Balboa International Market has earned the trust of so many families across San Diego. They know we will not compromise on what matters most.
Javid Javdani’s story — from pharmacist to entrepreneur — is about more than career change. It’s about carrying a set of values across every professional chapter: hard work, care for others, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
As I look to the future, I’m excited about continuing to grow and serve our community. Whether that means expanding our product selection, introducing new dishes at Sufi Mediterranean Cuisine, or offering even more personalized catering options, one thing will never change: quality will always come first.
Success is never built overnight, and it’s never built alone. It’s built with a thousand small decisions made every day, with a thousand small efforts to be better. That’s the way I approach my businesses, and that’s the way I live my life.
In a world that often moves too fast and cuts too many corners, staying true to quality is a way of honoring my customers, my team, and the journey that got me here. It’s what built Balboa Market, and it’s what will continue to guide us for years to come.