A long-abandoned gas station on the east side of Cortez has been transformed into Don Vic’s Mexican Grocery Store.

Owner Victor Nunez purchased the building and remodeled it into a brightly colored market with aisles of traditional Mexican foods, including an impressive selection of dried chiles and spices.

“I like the location. I’ve always wanted to open a grocery store in town to offer something different,” said Nunez, who also owns the popular Beny’s Diner in downtown Cortez.

A takeout counter at the grocery serves up freshly made burritos, tamales, tacos, chile dishes, menudo, and posole. Seasoned meat cuts, chorizo, and carne ranchera are ready to take home and throw on the grill or stove for a tasty meal.

And the store makes its own tortillas, using local Bluebird flour from Cortez Milling. A specialized oven produces 30 dozen per day.

“Our tamales and tortillas are very popular, full of flavor,” said chef Rafael Soria, one of five employees.

Piñatas hanging from the ceiling, and traditional Mexican music provides a festive atmosphere for shoppers. Specialty beans, salsa and mole line the shelves along with traditional Mexican drinks, snacks, candies and desserts.

The authentic ingredients will certainly thrill Latin American food connoisseurs, and take the average cook’s next homemade Mexican meal to the next level.

“It has been going well. This community has been so supportive, and we really appreciate it,” Nunez said.

Don Vic’s Mexican Grocery is at 2501 E. Main St. in Cortez. It is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The phone number is 970-564-3159.

jmimiaga@the-journal.com