The newest, biggest Todos Neighborhood Market is open for business.
The 65,000 square-foot markets in the River Oaks Shopping Center in Woodbridge is stocked with more than 50,000 items, including fresh meats, seafood, produce, and items like specialty sodas not found at other regional supermarkets. The market also features a cafe, a business center to help residents with taxes, and vendor booths operated by entrepreneurs.
“I come to the store because we like to stay in touch with our roof. And we love supermarkets where we’re able to get food that reminds us of home,” said Dina Villalobos, of Woodbridge, originally from Honduras.
The new market is the second in the Todos chain and took about a year to open. The store features a new brighter design compared to its smaller counterpart located five miles north in Marumsco Plaza in Woodbridge.
At one time, both stores served as Giant Food stores. Before opening its River Oaks location, Todos closed its location about a mile south in Dumfries.
“We actually changed the name from Todo’s Supermarket to Todo’s Neighborhood Market because that’s what we have become in Neighborhood Market where anybody can come and shop and enjoy shopping and some music and good food,” said founder Carlos Castro.
Customers said they were impressed with the new store for its selection and prices, which they say are more competitive than other larger grocery stores.
“They mostly have fresh stuff and fruits, vegetables. Most of their stuff is fresh. That’s what I always look out for,” Daniel Lartey, of Woodbridge.
Like many businesses, Castro faces challenges hiring staff for his new store. He’s looking to hire 120 new employees and so far has floated help from his Marumsco Plaza store to the River Oaks location.
“One thing that I love from this community is that we’re actually slowly diversifying our team has people from the Middle East, from India, from Africa, and African Americans,” explained Castro. “…my aim is to actually have a team that represents the community as our inventory represents the community.”
Recognizing the need for a growing Latino market in the area, Castro opened his first Todos grocery store in Woodbridge in 1990, at Prince William Plaza on Route 1. Translated to English, Todos means “everyone.”
Todos Neighborhood Market is located at 16593 River Ridge Boulevard in Woodbridge and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
