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RETAIL PROFILE
Crystal Springs Produce
Neighborhood store thrives by offering locally-grown and organic produce
at competitive prices.
BAy E. Shaunn Alderman
round 6:30 every morning Mustafa Mutlu can be found in South San Francisco at the Golden Gate Produce Terminal, tasting, touching, sniffing and eyeing a wide variety of
fruits and vegetables. With contagious enthu- siasm, Mutlu takes a traditional approach to the hands-on buying process that some say is nearly extinct. As he walks the pavement, he jokes with the merchants, takes another bite of something juicy, places his orders and moves to see and sniff what the next merchant is offering.
This treasured routine for Mutlu is neces- sary because since 2009 he’s been buying produce and other products for his family-run store in San Mateo called Crystal Springs Produce. Some say the 1,800-square-foot store about 20 miles south of San Francisco is reminiscent of a European neighborhood market. Others claim that shopping this “gem of a produce store” has relieved them from traveling to farmers markets in the quest for fresh and local produce with reasonable prices.
Small is an accurate description, but the store is welcoming and brimming with fresh fruit up front. Running from the front of the store to the back is a cold case filled with vege- tables and herbs. From dried figs and nuts to Persian cucumbers and Rainbow chard, this store packs in the produce. Melons and berries sell quickly making space for the next day’s deliveries. Fresh herbs and a wide variety of citrus sell well in this store frequented by home chefs, busy commuters and parents who appreciate variety and good prices. Excellent service is one element nearly everyone agrees on when rating this store in online reviews.
Organic and conventional produce items are delivered from farms in the Watsonville area only 72 miles away and other closer growing regions, including Pescadero and Half Moon Bay to the west. The emphasis is on local and on organic whenever possible. There’s a Safeway store directly across the street, but
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Mustafa Mutlu and his family will celebrate the tenth anniversary of Crystal Springs Produce later this year.
Crystal Springs Produce is going strong after nearly 10 years of keeping customers satisfied and returning for more.
In the tiny prep area toward the back of the store, the famous guacamole is made along with the zippy salsa that regulars know to buy. Mutlu’s wife, Kiymet, who is also hard- working and passionate about sharing prepa- ration tips while she offers produce samples, greets customers. A former sandwich shop, the store also sells fresh-baked bread that is delivered each morning. Additional offer- ings include cheeses, olives, eggs, spices, nuts, chilled juices, beverages and sweet treats. The international section is small enough to not intimidate domestic shoppers and large enough to maintain a stream of shoppers delighted in finding affordable olive oils, European items and Middle Eastern special- ties.
Mutlu has been told many times that he and his family are living the American dream. He smiles and shakes his head in agreement but almost with a hint of disbelief for his own family’s success story. Originally from Bulgaria, Mutlu came to America with his wife and their two young children as refugees
when they were eventually granted asylum in 1990 after a challenging journey. Produce fits into their story beginning in Bulgaria, where the family had roots in agriculture and farming.
When asked about his daily buying visits to the wholesale produce market, Mutlu says his customers want flavor and good prices, and he strongly believes hand-selecting after first tasting is what it takes to keep his customers coming back for more. This method seems to be an on-target strategy for Matlu and his family because in late summer 2017, they opened a full grocery store further south in Palo Alto, featuring an extensive produce section. And yes, he handles the produce buying for that store as well, starting early every morning. pb
CRYSTAL SPRINGS PRODUCE 770 Polhemus Road San Mateo, CA 94402 crystalspringsproduce.com 650-393-5145
Hours
Mon–Sat 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sun 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
SAN FRANCIISCO