The Wells County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the arrival of Tienda Mexicana La Katty, a vibrant addition to downtown Bluffton, located at 202 W. Market Street. To mark the occasion, a ribbon-cutting celebration was organized by the Chamber’s staff and Ambassadors.

Pictured in the photo from left are Wells County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Erin Prible, Jasmine Spriggle of State Farm-Erin Daugherty, Kevin Sills of Farm Bureau Insurance, Erin Daugherty of State Farm-Erin Daugherty, Danielle Thompson of Flagstar Bank, Casey Robbins of F&M Bank, Steve Higgins of Anthony Wayne Area Council BSA, Keith Muhlenkamp of First Merchants Bank, Katty Navarijo and Norma Alicia Nowarijo of Tienda Mexicana La Katty, Ben Renkenberger of United Way of Wells County, Lizzandro Sosa of Tienda Mexicana La Katty, Nick Huffman of Steffen Group, Erica Lehman of Coldwell Banker-Holloway, Heather Morgan of National Oil & Gas, Angie Topp of Thrive Mortgage of Special Events, Katie Stauffer of Parlor City Cabinetry and Chandler Gerber of the City of Bluffton. (Photo submitted)

Owner, Norma Alicia Nowarijo, is a native of Matamoros Tamaulipas, Mexico, has proudly introduced Tienda Mexicana La Katty to provide an array of grocery items and supplies hailing from both Mexico and Guatemala. Her passion for preserving her culture and catering to the needs of the community has inspired this exciting venture.

Norma’s multicultural background and strong family ties have played a significant role in shaping Tienda Mexicana La Katty. “My parents are from Mexico, and my husband is from Guatemala, so we had to make sure we offered food and supplies from both areas,” said Norma. “Family is very important to me. We wanted to fill a need in our community for products that are related to our culture.”

The store’s name carries a special significance as it is named after Norma’s daughter, emphasizing the importance of family throughout this endeavor. The store aims to bring a piece of home to Wells County, making cultural products more accessible to the local population.

Tienda Mexicana La Katty offers a diverse range of products, including grocery staples, beauty items, and household essentials. One of their specialties is sweet bread, a beloved treat in their culture, perfect for pairing with coffee. Additionally, the store provides assistance for sending money back home to Mexico, with Norma utilizing her experience as a translator to help customers navigate the system and answer any questions they may have.

Bilingual in Spanish and English, Norma is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and unity. “My main goal is to connect with my Hispanic roots and get other Hispanics in our community to know that we are here to help. I want people to know that I am here to assist you, no matter your culture or religion.”

Tienda Mexicana La Katty also tantalizes taste buds with special authentic Mexican food every Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a taste of their restaurant experience from Texas. With a hopeful eye on the future, Norma envisions expanding her offerings into a restaurant and a butcher store, setting her aspirations on long-term growth.

Operating hours for Tienda Mexicana La Katty are Monday through Friday: 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays: 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sundays: 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Norma and her team are excited to welcome the community to experience the rich flavors and warm hospitality at Tienda Mexicana La Katty. This new establishment promises to be a hub for cultural connection and community support.