Mets Players Are Flocking To Paterson-Born Market During Spring Training

A Florida supermarket cafe with roots in Paterson has become the go-to joint for foreign-born New York Mets players seeking comfort food, the New York Times reports.

Jose Reyes and other New York Mets players are flocking to a Port St. Lucie supermarket with Paterson roots for a familiar taste of home.
Photo Credit: *La Melaza Jose Reyes Facebook*

Cecilia Levine

03/22/2018 4:24 p.m.

Bravo Supermarkets' location in Port St. Lucie attracts players like Jose Reyes, since the city is home to the New York Mets' spring training facility.

Owners Luis Merejo -- a retired ball player -- and Cesar Ramirez a opened a Barvo Supermarkets franchise in Paterson in 2005.

They eventually bought more in Florida, including the one in Port St. Lucie, the article says.

The chain has more than 60 locations in the Northeast and Florida -- in areas with a high concentration of Latinos.

It wasn't long before the players -- many from the Dominican Republic, like Merejo -- started coming to Bravo, which also employs former MLB players, the article says.

Stewed oxtail, pigeon peas and Dominican-style rice is among a favorite dish at Bravo Supermarkets cafe, the story says.

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