La Favorita offers Mexican ice cream and groceries in Martin

Maria and Jesus moved to Martin three years ago. They say the first thing they noticed was that there was no Mexican grocer or ice cream place to be found, so they set about to change that. In August 2024, they opened La Favorita (The Favorite).

When you enter La Favorita, cool air and the aroma of fresh fruit sweep over you, and you are greeted with smiles from Maria and Jesus. The space is large and not yet full, but that just gives more room for growth. If you speak to Maria, she will tell you that her dream is to see the business really take off and grow in the next few years. The store is impeccably clean, and the parlor itself is all bright colors and frosted glass — which, if peered through, reveals all sorts of ice cream flavors. There is a small café-style sitting area situated at the front of the store for those who wish to enjoy their ice cream in a peaceful setting with the soft tones of a mariachi band coming through the speakers.

The back of the store is reserved for grocery items and is as neat as the front of the store. Even though it isn’t the size of one of the major retail corporations, it still boasts a good variety of products.

No need to worry if you are a novice at Mexican ice cream; Maria and Jesus know what people like and will suggest their own favorites. According to Jesus, many people enjoy the mangonada, which is a concoction of sweet mango, spicy Tajín, chamoy and lime, while Maria suggests strawberries and cream, which, as the name suggests, is full of fresh-cut strawberries and vanilla ice cream.

La Favorita is a great addition to the attractions of Martin, and Maria and Jesus would love to see it grow and become a local favorite. If you have a craving and get a chance, give it a try. Their operating hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the week, and they are located at 625 N. Lindell St. in Martin.