A new full-service Hispanic supermarket has opened in Canyon Country.

Offering an array of ingredients necessary in Hispanic dishes, Sabor Latino Supermarkets has opened its first store in the Canyon Shopping Center.

The supermarket’s grand-opening celebration today and April 29 will include salsa music, mariachi bands, entertainment for children, food tasting, raffles and prizes plus grand opening specials on Latino food products throughout the store.

Owners Al Robles and Paul Roknipour have lived in Santa Clarita since 1991. 

Robles, a native Puerto Rican, and Roknipour, a Persian who grew up in Spain, are in-laws and owners of the family-run business. Deborah Roknipour manages the store and sons Tyler and Matthew stock the shelves.

It’s their love for their Latino culture and family values that sets Sabor Latino apart and makes the difference, the owners said.

Richard Robles, the corporation’s attorney and Al’s nephew, founded the Puerto Rican Bar Association. Robles is a founding member of the Honduran International Chamber of Commerce and is an advocate for Hispanic issues. Sabor Latino offers groceries, produce and general merchandise, as well as a meat department with meats cut to a customer’s order.

The supermarket also sells freshly made foods in its deli department and authentic Latino treats in its bakery. And it has a Cremeria full of a wide assortment of cheeses, cheese dishes, creamy deserts and readymade salsas to accompany any meal.

Shoppers can also download coupons of name-brand products at highly discounted rates such as any Ball Park franks product for 55-cents or a Scott’s 12-pack of bath tissue for $1.00 as presented on the store’s website Thursday.

The 31,000-square-foot store has created more than 50 new jobs for Santa Clarita.

Sabor Latino Supermarkets also recently received an award by William S. Hart Union High School District for employing special needs youth, Robles said.

Sabor Latino is located at 19387 Soledad Canyon Road at the intersection of Whites Canyon in Canyon Country. The store is open seven days a week. More information can be found at www.saborlatinosupermarkets.com.