By Clyde Noel

Loyola Meats, Fish and Deli at Loyola Corners has new owners in Jesse Sanchez and his wife, Lisa. They are the third owners of the market-deli-caf/ in 32 years. Originally called Tony’s Meats, the market was sold to Tom Andrews in 1972. When Andrews retired it was sold to the Petel brothers. The Sanchez family purchased it from the Petels three months ago.

“I always wanted to buy into a small supermarket. I was working in the semiconductor industry, and when that business dried up I started looking for something to make a living for my family,” Sanchez said. “It was listed on the Web without any pictures, but the profit-and-loss numbers looked great.”

Sanchez came to see the business after 30 days, inquired from the owners what their demands were, and met them.

“This is a diamond in the rough,” Sanchez said. “We made changes in the produce area and the cheese case, plus all aspects of the business have been improved by adding quality items and managing freshness.”

Lisa is the office manager and helps support Jessie with office work.

“I’m a full-time mom and a homeschool teacher and do a lot of the personnel scheduling of hours,” Lisa said. “We have nine employees, and I keep busy in the background. I love doing this.”

Since the Sanchez family took over the business, the meats are from Columbus in Fremont and Boar’s Head in San Francisco.

Jessie said they are focusing on personal service by cutting meat to order, the way customers want it.

Both Jessie and Lisa use Andrews as a mentor because of his experience and his way with customers.

“His knowledge of the business and the history of the customers and surrounding area has been most helpful to us,” Jessie said.

The market has been a south Los Altos staple for more than 36 years. Daniel Helmer has worked in the meat department for more than seven years. He said he enjoys working with meats because he can see what he has accomplished to make customers happy.

“Our tri-tips are the most asked-for item — and fresh salmon when we have it,” Helmer said. “Our fish is purchased from Half Moon Bay fishermen. When the boat is out to sea we call them and ask what they are catching. If I call early in the morning, we can have it in the case by 3 p.m. the same day.”

Other items in the meat case are kosher salmon, kosher bologna and kosher hot dogs. There is a wide variety of salads and takeout sandwiches. The average sandwich costs around $4.95.

“Customers tell me I have the best meatloaf and tri-tip sandwiches in town,” Sanchez said. “With a new espresso bar featuring cafe latte, cafe mocha, cappuccino and fresh gourmet coffee, light morning eaters can pull in the back parking lot, run in and get their breakfast to go.”

Loyola Meats, Fish and Deli is located at 987 Fremont Road, Los Altos. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday; and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday.

For more information, call 948-8038.