On the campaign trail, City Councilor-Elect Liz Breadon received numerous questions regarding her stances on issues affecting our neighborhood, but
every now and then someone would throw her a more personal question. One question in particular was,”What is your favorite place to eat in Allston-Brighton?”
Being an Oak Square resident, Liz had a laundry list of places she and her wife like to frequent, so when she was asked this question and responded
with how much she loved the fish tacos at Teresa’s Market, many had not heard of the business. Coming from a small business background, owning
her own business but also while growing up in Ireland helping to run her father’s store, Liz values the need of supporting your local economy by
shopping at your neighborhood businesses.
You may not have heard of Teresa’s Market because they are not active on social media and only have a website. Located at 571 Washington Street for
the last five years, they are right on the bend as you drive into Oak Square. The exterior of their building is a bright blue, but even with the
paint job you can walk or drive pass without even realizing it is there. Nolber, owner of Teresa’s Market, and his family are from Guatemala which
is what inspires the entire menu for their business. It was while attending a Brighton Main Streets’ technical assistance program that Liz and
Nolber met.
Pictured is the tables that replaced a few of the shelves.
I met with Liz and her friend, Siobhan, at the market over the weekend to grab lunch. The menu has too many tempting options, and even weekly specials
and a breakfast menu to try. Siobhan shared with me as our food was being made, “The business has a great takeout crowd! The families from my preschool
often grab dinner at Teresa’s Market after pick-up.” Because of growing up around her family’s small business in Ireland, Liz really admires Nolber
and his family’s tenacity in keeping their business going. Teresa’s Market was originally meant to be just a market with shelves lining the inside
of the store and a few takeout options. Nolber said many of his customers would mention how much they loved the food, but wished there was a place
to sit down and enjoy their meal while at the market. Hearing this request often, Nolber removed some of the shelves but kept the essentials, and
added tables so that customers may stay and enjoy their meal. Liz added, “There is a theme that I have noticed when it comes to immigrant small
business owners. The owners always listen to their customers so they not only leave them feeling happy but feeling heard and valued.”
Pictured left to right (Liz, Siobhan, and Nolber).
Nolber stepped out from behind the counter to join us at our table as we began our meal. Liz, Siobhan, & Nolber shared a few laughs, spoke briefly
to see how the other was doing, and then went on their ways. I asked Nolber as we got ready to leave what it was like to have relationships like
this one with his customers. “Getting to make people happy and providing a space for our customers to enjoy their food, or a soccer game, is rewarding.
People may not order out as much these days, but our growth is all through word of mouth. Seeing the response and the small success we’ve had shows
us how much there is a space for us in this community.” Help Brighton Main Streets by considering the Power of Giving Ten.