The Art of Sourcing Authentic Mediterranean Ingredients
When I first entered the world of food and hospitality, I knew that authenticity would be at the core of everything I did. Coming from a background in pharmacy, I understood the importance of quality and precision. These same principles guided me when I established my grocery business and later expanded into the restaurant industry. […]
Bringing the Mediterranean to San Diego: My Journey to Sourcing the Best Ingredients
The journey from pharmacist to food entrepreneur has been an exciting and rewarding one. When I founded Balboa International Market and later expanded into Sufi Mediterranean Cuisine, my vision was simple: to bring the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean and beyond to San Diego. I wanted to ensure that my customers had access to the […]
Sufi Mediterranean Cuisine: A Taste of Tradition with a Modern Twist
The journey of opening Sufi Mediterranean Cuisine has been one filled with passion, exploration, and a dedication to preserving the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean while embracing modern innovation. From the very beginning, I knew I wanted to create a dining experience that paid homage to the time-honored recipes that have been passed down […]
Building Bridges Through Business: My Journey of Entrepreneurship and Community Impact
When I started my professional journey as a pharmacist, I could never have imagined where life would take me. Pharmacy, for me, was more than a career—it was a way to help people, to be of service in meaningful ways. Yet, as rewarding as that work was, I always felt a pull toward something greater, […]
The Entrepreneurial Journey: How My Background in Pharmacy Shaped My Approach to Owning an International Market
The journey from pharmacy to owning an international food market has been an unexpected yet rewarding one. After spending years in the healthcare field, transitioning to retail and food entrepreneurship came with its challenges and opportunities. What surprised me most, though, was how much the skills and experiences from my time in pharmacy have been […]
Cultural Diversity on a Plate: How Balboa Market Celebrates Global Flavors and Strengthens San Diego’s Community
Growing up in a multicultural environment, I always appreciated the beauty of diversity and the way food serves as a gateway to understanding different cultures. From spices that tell stories of ancient traditions to the aromas that fill the air when a dish is being prepared, food has a unique way of connecting people. As […]
Expanding Beyond the Aisles: Strategies for Growth in Ethnic Grocery and Hospitality Businesses
Running a business isn’t just about turning a profit; it’s about creating something that connects with people on a deeper level. For me, that journey began in 2005, when I purchased a small grocery store in my San Diego neighborhood. What started as a simple venture to provide for my family evolved into a larger […]
Catering to Cultural Diversity: Building Community Through Balboa Market
When I first took ownership of Balboa Market in 2005, I knew it was more than just a business opportunity—it was a chance to create something meaningful for the community. The grocery store was a modest operation at the time, offering basic goods to neighborhood shoppers. But as someone who grew up in an immigrant […]
Building Community Through Cuisine: My Vision for Balboa Market as a Global Marketplace in San Diego
Hello, I’m Javid Javdani, owner of Balboa International Market in San Diego. I believe food is one of the most powerful connectors we have. A shared meal can bridge cultures, build friendships, and foster understanding in ways that few other experiences can. That belief is what drives everything we do at Balboa Market. When I […]
From Healthcare to Heritage Foods: How My Background in Pharmacy Shapes Balboa Market’s Commitment to Quality and Wellness
For many years, I practiced as a pharmacist, working directly with patients to support their health and well-being. Pharmacy taught me to prioritize quality, attention to detail, and customer trust—values that have carried over into my work as a market owner. At Balboa Market, I strive to offer customers the highest-quality ingredients, diverse international foods, […]