La Ranchera store in downtown Logan still does things the traditional way

Editor's note: The writer's interview was interpreted by Tom Griffith.

By Miriah Griffith

April 23, 2007 | LOGAN -- The owner of La Ranchera Market has sandy hair and blue eyes -- but initial impressions can be deceiving.

Horacio Leonhardt came to the United States from Argentina and has run La Ranchera, a Hispanic grocery store on 96 W. 100 North, for four years.

Leonhardt said it was already a Hispanic grocery store when he bought it four years ago. He also bought Gonzales Fine Meat on 600 N. 500 West, which is run by his son, Fernando Leonhardt.

"We didn't change the name of the store when we bought it because in the Hispanic culture it is uncomfortable to change the names of stores," Leonhardt said. "We always keep the same names whether that's the name of the family who owns the store or not."

Both stores have the same products and the same prices, he said.

La Ranchera has a small-family feel to it with paper price stickers on each item. In addition to the typical groceries it has fresh produce; fresh meat that is cut, weighed and packaged right in the store; a bar that serves beer; and a taqueria in the back where warm tacos and breads are made daily.

Leonhardt offered pan dulce con crema, a sweet bread filled with cream, to a visitor in the store. The visitor said it was sweet and light, like a warm cream puff. Pan dulce con crema is a favorite dessert in the Hispanic culture.

There is only one cash register, and like any store, Saturdays are their busiest day of the week, said Leonhardt. Lines, however, don't seem to be a problem. The pace is just a notch slower than surrounding retail stores.

The Hispanic culture just isn't as rushed and panicked as the American culture, a shopper said.

La Ranchera is run with only six employees, none of whom is fluent in English.

"Everyone that comes in here is either Hispanic or has served a Spanish-speaking mission," Leonhardt said. "Everyone speaks Spanish, so there's no language barrier problem. Some of my employees speak a little English."

While most of the customers are Hispanic, Leonhardt said they do get some Anglo customers.

"I would invite everyone to come in and see our store," he said. "You'll be surprised how clean it is and how good our bread is."

Warmed by the aroma of baking bread and the friendly smiles of the employees, it's hard for anyone to feel uncomfortable in the face of such hospitality.

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