January 13, 2025

It is with much sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Steve Boney, the visionary founder of Pancho Villa's Markets. Steve passed away on Sunday January 12, 2025 surrounded by his wife, Raquel, family and loved ones.

Steve's history in the San Diego grocery marketplace spanned six decades with several other supermarket brands that he started before his opening of the first Pancho Villa Market on El Cajon Blvd in 2005. It was Steve's vision of serving the Hispanic San Diego community many years before the influx of various independent supermarkets that marked his final business endeavor.

With fresh produce, a full service carniceria, Mexican restaurant as well as an in-house bakery, flour and corn tortilla operation Steve built Pancho Villa into a San Diego landmark. With no previous experience in the Hispanic marketplace, Steve molded Pancho Villa into a successful business venture that catered to the Hispanic marketplace.

Steve's unwavering  commitment to quality and service to the community he served will remain our mission and his visionary leadership will be sorely missed.

Memorial services are pending