It took store owners Bryan and Stephanie Tayara about 40 days to open Rosewood Mini Market on the corner of Main and Blossom streets, bringing healthy, organic food to USC students.
The Rosewood Mini Market celebrated its soft-launch opening Friday, Oct. 10, introducing a small, grab-and-go branch to Columbia’s local business scene. It stems from Rosewood Market & Deli, the Tayaras’ natural grocery store located about 12 minutes away.
The difference between the two lies in size, as the newly established “Mini Market” name is not exaggerated. The store itself is small, though that is intentional, according to the Tayaras.
“Originally we were kind of targeting these empty, bigger spaces,” Stephanie said. “But I think we kind of found a little love for these tighter, little niche markets."
They later explained that their preference for a smaller store comes from the sense of community created by city corner stores.
“We got inspired to open a mini mart because, when we travel, we love going to small corner markets,” Bryan explained. “I just think there's something so cute about them. They're so useful and they serve such a big purpose in the community."
The location’s importance goes beyond emulation; the Tayaras also noticed a lack of healthy food options near USC's campus.
“When I found this area, there's nothing else like this,” Bryan said. “There's no grocery stores, no healthy places to grab some healthy snacks, there's no natural food anywhere.”
Bella Cosentino, a senior at USC who visits the new mini market from time to time, found that freshmen living on campus may struggle with the transition from home-cooked meals to dining hall buffets, which could affect their mental health and limit healthy habits. With the mini market’s arrival, students now have easier access to cleaner sources of food.
"Even mental health-wise, having some variety in your diet really means a lot," Cosentino said. "Of course, physically, I think it's important for people to have access to healthy produce."
Because the mini market sits along some students' commute to class, the Tayaras hope to provide quick but healthy options for students on the go.
“I know, being a student, you're moving quick,” Stephanie Tayara said. “So expect items that are fresh items, grab-and-go wraps, salads, kind of a little hub for essentials."
For Cosentino, it's not just a pit stop to class—the mini market acts as a reliable grocery store for freshmen without cars.
"Its location is incredibly convenient for living on campus," Cosentino said. "It's really close to the Honors dorm, and that's something I definitely would have appreciated if I wanted to make an effort to go out and get groceries."
However, accessibility goes beyond a store's location, and Cosentino found that college students may struggle to afford healthy foods while juggling school and housing fees.
"If you're a freshman, for a lot of people it's your first opportunity figuring out how to budget and how that matters now that you're paying so much to your school," Cosentino said. "So, price-wise, I would say it is more expensive than a lot of other grocery stores, and I do wish there was a more affordable grocery option that was walkable."
But food isn’t the only product they sell—the mini market's shelves are also stocked with cleaning supplies, sanitary products and pet essentials. Bryan likened their mini market to a “satellite location”, where they ship products from their main store to its mini counterpart.
Stocking the shelves so quickly came with a lot of work. Obtaining a new business license was only the first step; molding the store to fit their needs came next. Stephanie explained that her father’s construction company helped make the transition smoother, allowing them to renovate quickly and to their liking. Bryan also said experience played a major role in creating the kind of store they wanted.
“Being in the industry for 10 years, I know what needs to happen,” Bryan explained. “I know what the store needs to look like, so just experience is what makes things go smooth."
The original Rosewood Market & Deli wasn’t always a grocery store—it planted its seeds as Columbia’s first vegetarian restaurant in 1973. The original owner, Basil Garzia, watched it grow for decades before Bryan purchased the business ten years ago.
With a decade dedicated to the business, Bryan sees his store as more than a grocery market.
“ For me, at Rosewood Market, it’s a lifestyle,” Bryan said. “We represent and we help people live a healthier lifestyle, not just with food."
The Tayaras hope to foster a community in the local area, not just with the products they sell but with the space they offer.
“ We're planning to have exercise classes outside, wine tastings, health talks, whatever we can to support the community of people who want to live a healthier, happier life."
Since students make up such a large part of the local community, Cosentino believes the mini market provides students potential job opportunities.
"It's a good employment opportunity, too," Cosentino said. "Obviously they're going to be hiring students a lot for their location, and I feel like it's a really good option if anyone is looking for a convenient job."
Stephanie calls the new mini market a "third space," one she hopes customers will find more personal–the kind of store that knows their name.
“[It’s] really a place for people to come and not only shop, but congregate and get to meet others,” Stephanie said.
