Community Highlights: Meet Ray Gabrielyan of Corner Market

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ray Gabrielyan

Hi Ray, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur, I just didn’t know what exactly I’d be doing but one thing was for sure, I had an immense love for cooking. As a child I would always help my mom in the kitchen when it came to prepping food and even giving her a day off so I can make sandwiches. My father was in the grocery business for two decades and when I had an opportunity to own my very own grocery store in 2015, I knew I was on the right path. Fast forward to October of 2022, I decided I was going to create a sandwich department inside the grocery store. 2023 was the year that the sandwiches took off and after having yelp and social media on our side, we became one of Yelp’s Top 100 Place to Eat in LA county. It got to the point that I had to convert my store from a grocery store into more of a bodega/sandwich shop. The positive feedback from our customers was so motivational that I knew we were on the right track for success.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s never a smooth road but the challenges and “the no matter what, you don’t give up” mindset is what got me here.

Some examples are, pivoting from a grocery store into a bodega. After being a grocery store for nearly eight years our customers were used to us providing specific kind of products. We had to ditch all of those items and focus on the new road ahead.

Another example is that after going viral, we had long lines out the door so we had to prepare to provide excellent food and service no matter how busy we were. So I had to start hiring more staff and figure out how I am going to scale the business.

As you know, we’re big fans of Corner Market . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are known for our incredible signature sandwiches that have become popular in the city and all over LA. Our most popular item is the Rayz Way Brisket Pastrami named after the owner, Ray. What sets us apart is, our formula to creating a delicious and enjoyable sandwich. For example, pulling the excess dough out of the bread so that it becomes much more pleasant and has less carbs which doesn’t make the customer feel bloated. Yes, our food is delicious but we also are very focused on giving an amazing customer experience. Customer service is just as important as the product you sell. You can have the best product but it means nothing if you don’t have the right customer service.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Being patient with customers and creating an atmosphere so the customer feels good.

I am extremely picky about my product. I searched long and hard for a bread and meat company that meets my standards. I am so specific in the way I put the sandwiches together and I always make sure my employees prepare them to my standard.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @cornermarketofficial
• Yelp: Corner market