Stephen William Boney, born October 1, 1943, into the family that would later establish Sprouts and Henry’s Market, carved out his own path in the grocery sector with Pancho Villa Market. His journey in the food industry began with Boney's Market Place, focusing on produce, health foods, and vitamins. However, it was his foresight in identifying the need for a dedicated Hispanic grocery store in San Diego that led to the creation of Pancho Villa Market. Named after the famous Mexican revolutionary, the store quickly became known for its authentic Mexican products, from freshly made tortillas to an extensive variety of Latin spices and ingredients.
"It is with much sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Steve Boney, the visionary founder of Pancho Villa's Markets," posted the company on its social media channels. "Steve passed away on Sunday January 12, 2025 surrounded by his wife, Raquel, family and loved ones. Steve's history in the San Diego grocery marketplace spanned six decades with several other supermarket brands that he started before his opening of the first Pancho Villa Market on El Cajon Blvd in 2005. It was Steve's vision of serving the Hispanic San Diego community many years before the influx of various independent supermarkets that marked his final business endeavor."
The impending closure of Pancho Villa Farmers Market on El Cajon Boulevard in Normal Heights/North Park was allegedly due to Steve's health issues and is now expected to occur at the end of January 2025. After two decades of operation, the market's shutdown will leave a significant gap in the local food scene. There are whispers that the space might be taken over by a Sprouts Farmers Market, though no official confirmation has been issued.
While the Pancho Villa location on El Cajon Boulevard faces closure, the location in San Ysidro at 2004 Dairy Mart Road is expected to continue operations, providing some solace for fans of the brand. With Pancho Villa Mercado soon closing, nearby North Park Produce has acquired equipment from Pancho Villa, including their tortilla-making machine, is hiring some displaced staff and adding a "Super Mercado" section with Mexican and Hispanic products to fill the gap.
"With fresh produce, a full service carniceria, Mexican restaurant as well as an in-house bakery, flour and corn tortilla operation Steve built Pancho Villa into a San Diego landmark," continued the announcement. "With no previous experience in the Hispanic marketplace, Steve molded Pancho Villa into a successful business venture that catered to the Hispanic marketplace. Steve's unwavering commitment to quality and service to the community he served will remain our mission and his visionary leadership will be sorely missed."
Steve Boney's contributions to San Diego's food culture extended beyond business; he was instrumental in fostering a sense of community through his markets. His dedication to quality, service, and cultural authenticity will continue to inspire those who knew him or benefited from his vision. Memorial services for Steve are pending.
Steve Boney's contributions to San Diego's food culture extended beyond business; he was instrumental in fostering a sense of community through his markets. His dedication to quality, service, and cultural authenticity will continue to inspire those who knew him or benefited from his vision. Memorial services for Steve are pending.
As we bid farewell to both Steve Boney and the Pancho Villa Market on El Cajon Boulevard, we reflect on the legacy of a man who brought people together through the universal language of food.
For further information about Pancho Villa Market, visit panchovillafarmersmarket.com.
Originally published on January 13, 2025.
