New owner revives Cunha's

Cunha's Country Grocery Store on Half Moon Bay's Main Street is experiencing a bit of a revival as new owner Mark Khoury has put quality and service first.

Khoury took over the historic spot in late June after Cunha's then-owner Franco Carrubba closed its doors. Six months later, a steady stream of the market's former loyal customers have found their way back to the grocery store.

The 90-year-old store is an icon in downtown and was formerly owned by Bev Cunha Ashcraft, who sold her business in 2007 and joined the staff at the New Leaf Community Markets in Half Moon Bay on San Mateo Road.

The store has survived despite having three owners the past five years but Cunha's has a history of survival, as it was brought back to life after it burnt to the ground and was completely destroyed in 2003. The city fast-tracked the permit process for the rebuild and the store was reconstructed quickly.

The current Cunha's store has a butcher, delicatessen, a large selection of wines and fresh produce, much of it grown on local coastal farms.

The upstairs is closed, though, which used to house souvenirs, dishware and clothes at the old Cunha's.

Khoury is not sure what will become of the upstairs space yet as the emphasis is on establishing the grocery store, he said.

"We'd like to do something up there but its a bit too much to bite right now,” Khoury said.

Besides, he's got his hands full downstairs.

Khoury can do every job at Cunha's, from handling butcher duties, stocking produce and being cashier as his family has been in the grocery business for 40 years. He does not work alone, though, as he hired some of the employees who worked for Carrubba and even one that worked at the store 10 years ago.

The family also owns grocery stores in Palo Alto, Windsor and Napa. Khoury, 30, travels every day from his home in Rohnert Park to manage Cunha's. Khoury is married and just welcomed his fourth child. The older children can be seen at the store on weekends.

"My kids eat up all the candy,” he said.

This Friday, Khoury and his family can be seen on a float in the Night of Lights parade that will travel down Main Street.

He is already starting to feel at home in Half Moon Bay and calls the downtown "awesome.”

"This is a family store that offers friendly service,” he said.

The Khourys signed a 15-year lease for the building but may try to buy it one day, he said.

Cunha's is located at 448 Main St., Half Moon Bay.

Bill Silverfarb can be reached by email: silverfarb@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 106.