The Boney family's journey in the food industry began with Henry Boney, who started a humble fruit stand in the 1940s. His sons, Steve, Stan, and Scott, expanded this legacy into a network of respected local markets. Steve Boney, known for his involvement in Windmill Farms, Boney's Marketplace and eventually the founding of Pancho Villa's Market, was a pivotal figure in the city's grocery industry until his recent passing earlier this month. His relationship with his brother Scott had been complex, marked by both collaboration and competition, but always mutually supportive.
Following Steve's recent health issues and passing, Pancho Villa Farmers Market, a cherished San Diego institution known for its authentic Mexican groceries and freshly made tortillas, is closing its doors after end of business on Sunday, February 2, following two decades of service. The closure will leave a notable void in the community, particularly among those who frequented the market for its daily-made tortillas. It is believed that a branch of Sprout's Farmers Market, which was also started by the Boney family, will replace Pancho Villa.Ìý
Leading up to the closure, North Park Produce stepped in to continue the legacy by acquiring some of Pancho Villa's equipment, including the corn tortilla-making machine, for their new "Super Mercado" section. However, it was Windmill Farms Community Market that ultimately secured the rights to the main flour tortilla machine, aiming to uphold the tradition of freshly made flour tortillas in the region.
"We are deeply saddened by Steve's passing and the closure of Pancho Villa’s - both will be greatly missed," commented Scott Boney. "However, we are honored and excited to keep the flour tortilla tradition alive within the family."
The passing of the tortilla machine from Steve to Scott and his children reflects an attempt to mend past tensions and a gesture of trust in carrying forward the family's culinary heritage. This machine, celebrated for producing some of San Diego's finest flour tortillas at Pancho Villa Farmers Market, now symbolizes a bridge between generations and a commitment to quality and tradition. Windmill Farms also intends to hire some of Pancho Villa's displaced staff.Ìý
With plans to have the machine operational by March, Windmill Farms Community Market, already renowned for its organic and quality groceries, aims to continue Pancho Villa's legacy of fresh, homemade flour tortillas. This acquisition is not just about expanding their product line; it's about honoring the Boney family's history in the community. The machine's integration into Windmill Farms' operations could lead to new tortilla varieties or products, blending traditional recipes with the market's dedication to organic and local sourcing.
For Scott Boney and his children, receiving this machine is both an honor and a responsibility. It represents an opportunity to innovate while maintaining the standards set by their predecessors. The tortilla machine, now at Windmill Farms, stands as more than a piece of equipment; it's a symbol of unity, heritage, and the narrative of the Boney family's impact on San Diego's food culture.
This transition might also foster a new era of collaboration among the family, potentially healing past rifts through a shared mission to uphold and expand on their familial culinary legacy. As the community looks forward to the return of these beloved tortillas, this move by Windmill Farms underscores the importance of local, fresh products in the vibrant culinary landscape of San Diego, enriched by the stories and traditions of families like the Boneys.
Windmill Farms Community Market is located at 6386 Del Cerro Boulevard in San Diego's Del Cerro community. For more information, visit .
The passing of the tortilla machine from Steve to Scott and his children reflects an attempt to mend past tensions and a gesture of trust in carrying forward the family's culinary heritage. This machine, celebrated for producing some of San Diego's finest flour tortillas at Pancho Villa Farmers Market, now symbolizes a bridge between generations and a commitment to quality and tradition. Windmill Farms also intends to hire some of Pancho Villa's displaced staff.Ìý
With plans to have the machine operational by March, Windmill Farms Community Market, already renowned for its organic and quality groceries, aims to continue Pancho Villa's legacy of fresh, homemade flour tortillas. This acquisition is not just about expanding their product line; it's about honoring the Boney family's history in the community. The machine's integration into Windmill Farms' operations could lead to new tortilla varieties or products, blending traditional recipes with the market's dedication to organic and local sourcing.
For Scott Boney and his children, receiving this machine is both an honor and a responsibility. It represents an opportunity to innovate while maintaining the standards set by their predecessors. The tortilla machine, now at Windmill Farms, stands as more than a piece of equipment; it's a symbol of unity, heritage, and the narrative of the Boney family's impact on San Diego's food culture.
This transition might also foster a new era of collaboration among the family, potentially healing past rifts through a shared mission to uphold and expand on their familial culinary legacy. As the community looks forward to the return of these beloved tortillas, this move by Windmill Farms underscores the importance of local, fresh products in the vibrant culinary landscape of San Diego, enriched by the stories and traditions of families like the Boneys.
Windmill Farms Community Market is located at 6386 Del Cerro Boulevard in San Diego's Del Cerro community. For more information, visit .
Originally published on January 26, 2025.Ìý
