The shelves are full of staples used by Ocracoke's growing Hispanic population, as well as snacks, candy and soft drinks. La Perla Bakery in Washington, NC provides fresh bread, and La Isla also sells sandals, lingerie and beauty products.
Owner Karla Ortiz said they will soon sell produce and dairy, and add ice cream and popsicles before the summer season starts. A check cashing and money transfer service, likely Western Union, will also be offered.
"I thought this was a good thing for Mexicans. There are a lot of Hispanic people here, and I think it's going to work," said Karla. Her family opened a store in Washington eight years ago, and another in Greenville a year later.
I'll shop there, Eli Tellez told me. Currently, Eli buys the bulk of groceries for her family from a refrigerated truck which visits Ocracoke each week. With the opening of La Isla, the truck may no longer make the trip, she said.
The Variety Store also stocks a selection of Mexican groceries.
Fidelia Villanueva anticipates shopping at La Isla as well, and wanted to know if I plan to shop there. !Por supuesto! I'm always trying to expand my culinary repertoire.
La Isla is next to Thai Moon in Spencer's Market, making it the most culturally diverse spot on the island.
A few school children popped in on their lunch break to grab some snacks. Karla said Takis, a brand of rolled tortilla chips, have already proven popular. Takis come in flavors like chili pepper and lime, crunchy fajita, and guacamole.
According to the 2010 US Census, Ocracoke has 948 residents. 181 identified themselves as Hispanic. In 2000, only 15 Hispanics were recorded living on Ocracoke, for a growth rate of over 1000%.
In 2000, 749 people called Ocracoke home, suggesting that the island's population increase is largely due to a growing Hispanic community. The majority are of Mexican heritage.
La Isla will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., perhaps with longer hours in the summer. Karla said she'll keep the store open year round, opening several days a week during the winter.