The Market @ McAllen

How It All Started

In 2009, locally owned eatery Alhambra Restaurant opened its doors to the public with the definitive goal of serving a new style of cuisine. The owners firmly believed the best tasting dishes could only be made with the freshest ingredients. Finding those ingredients was a key factor in their quest for unique flavor.

Alhambra Restaurant owners were aware that when produce is shipped across long distances, as it usually is, freshness and valuable nutrients are lost.

So, they looked to local farmers and ranchers to obtain produce that is harvested at the peak of freshness. Slowly but surely, they built a network of local farmers and growers large enough to provide for the restaurant's needs. As a result, the business owners were able to reduce their carbon footprint, support other local businesses, and provide the finest dishes possible for their customers.

As the only business to successfully execute a fully local-based menu, Alhambra Restaurant owners decided to share their network with the surrounding community in an effort to promote healthy eating habits. In October 2010, the Market @ Alhambra was born. The network, which began as a few farmers and growers, quickly expanded to include various local organic food vendors, artisans and crafters, and even organic skin care lines. The Market gained a loyal customer base at an even faster rate.

Now, the Market has set roots at the McAllen Public Library in hopes of broadening its reach and spreading the message of healthy eating and living.

Every Saturday, local community members in search of quality produce and products have access to local ranchers, farmers, artisans, and chefs, each supporting the need for a healthier community in their own way.