Illustration by Mike Dougherty
What makes the sandwiches at Latonia Bodega stand out?
Alyssa: They’re Jersey-style deli sandwiches. They’re meaty and big with all kinds of toppings. People call them “Scooby-Doo sandwiches” because they’re so stuffed. We slice the meats and cheeses fresh every day. We have turkey, salami, ham, and roast beef, and our breads are white, wheat, and rye, like a fresh pumpernickel loaf that’s actually really popular, and a wrap.
What are some challenges with running a bodega?
Alyssa: The biggest challenges are our work-life balance and staffing. People come and go, and some realize working in this industry is not for them. Sergio: You have to be a specific individual to work in the food industry. You have to be able to not let stuff affect you so much and keep being a person that just pushes forward and through it.
You’re both still in your 20s. What’s it like owing two businesses at such a young age?
Sergio: My dad trained me for this since I was 10. He’s a jack of all trades who’s done it all. He said to me, “There’s nothing like working for yourself. Being in America, you can take advantage and take all your knowledge and do whatever you want with it.” And that’s kind of what I did.
Sergio, you’re a second-generation Mexican-American. What does Latonia Bodega mean to the Hispanic community in Covington?
Sergio: It gives us more sense of unity. We’ve became the community hub. When a lot of Hispanics were first getting to Covington, my dad’s store [Gutierrez Deli] was the first door they were coming through. I feel like, to bring a community together, all you need is food. Alyssa: The Latonia community needed something like our bodega, somewhere where they don’t have to drive to the other side of Covington to get some good food. I love talking to the locals. There are people who have lived here for 50-plus years and thank us for bringing this vibe to the area.
What’s something that people should absolutely buy from the bodega?
Sergio: The sandwiches. And the imported chips because a lot of people haven’t had real Doritos from Mexico. They’re actual corn chips with nacho cheese. Alyssa: And the tamales, which are delivered fresh on Fridays and served throughout the week.
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