Avon Mexican Market Brings Authentic Flavors to Community
Avon is home to a large group of Hispanic residents. A vibrant culture full of rich culinary tradition, the Hispanic population in Avon has long felt the absence of a traditional Mexican market. Avon resident Gladys Palacios felt it was time to rectify that gap, opening the doors to Avon Mexican Market on Nov. 22, 2025.
Originally from Lafayette, Palacios has always felt the pull of entrepreneurship. A veteran and successful small-business owner, she felt compelled to apply her skills and bring the authentic flavors from her childhood to her local community. With family roots in Veracruz and Jalisco, Palacios and her family bring authentic Mexican culture and cuisine to Avon.
Located at 9277 E. U.S. Highway 36, Avon Mexican Market held its grand opening to the tunes of mariachi music and with free food tastings. The traditional market and taqueria showcased its offerings to a jubilant crowd of attendees.
The new market features Mexican brands and flavors not readily available in the area. Along with produce, a market and a butcher shop, Mexican street food is also available for purchase with an ever-evolving menu, alongside fresh pork rinds and traditional tamales.
“In the few weeks we have been open, the community has responded really well. Everyone’s excited that we’re here,” Palacios says. “They look forward to the weekend menu with homemade foods that you just can’t find around here. They feel closer to their home countries, and we’re honored to offer that experience.”
Palacios is proud to offer specific items and brands that she herself has had trouble finding. Among her favorites are El Milagro tortillas, tostados and tortilla chips, as well as plantains and fresh tomatoes, cilantro and jalapenos. With no limits on quantity, Palacios is stocking her shelves with hundreds of orders of tortillas each week.
“If you’ve never had El Milagro tortillas, there is really no comparison. These are very popular in the Hispanic community and what everyone is looking for. That’s what I want to be — the market that has the items you can’t find anywhere else,” she says.
She also stocks full bars of sugar cane during the cold season, a staple for Latin desserts, and offers fresh pozole menudo, a popular Mexican soup.
Avon Mexican Market is also a family affair. Her father, Sabino Vazquez, serves as her butcher, offering fresh cuts of meat for traditional Mexican dishes. He also makes specialty meats on the weekends and prepares the fresh pork rinds that are a store staple. Her mother, Delia Medrano, can also be found preparing her famous tamales, available for purchase while supplies last.
Palacios hopes to continue adding menu items and updating her offerings based on community feedback. She expects to add baked goods in February and is always open to community recommendations.
“I want Avon Mexican Market to be a central place for community,” she says. “I am always onsite, and I love hearing from customers and learning how we can make our store a welcoming destination.”
She also hopes Avon Mexican Market will serve as an educational hub to help non-Latino customers explore new flavors and learn about Latino culture. The staff is fully bilingual and can assist both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking customers.
To learn more about Avon Mexican Market, visit avonmxmarket.com.
