The Shop

The Mercado São João is a historic and traditional grocery store, which opened its doors in June 1894, in Rua de São João, by António Joaquim Cardoso. More than a century later, we find Mr. Manuel at the head of this emblematic house that takes the codfish passion very seriously, dedicating himself to the marketing of cod, table wines, port wines, whisky, brandies, liqueurs, preserves, cheeses, sausages, coffee, teas and spices.

Shop History

Founded in 1894, by António Joaquim Cardoso, being a typical grocery store in Braga and an example of resistance and innovation. Years later, it was continued by José Joaquim Macedo, this during the Second World War. The grocery store was passed through the hands of five owners, resisting the threat of the large stores and continuing to be a leader in traditional commerce.
For some time, it served the purpose of supplying the residents of Braga in exchange for tickets provided by the Local Commerce Regulatory Commissions. As time went by, it specialized in selling codfish and even created a web page. From rua de S. João orders are sent to various parts of the country and abroad, particularly to Spain, France and Brazil.
The years went by and the business was continued by José de Araújo, who kept it going for years, until 1984, when the business was passed on to his nephew Jacinto Vilaça, who partnered up with Manuel Machado. With the death of Jacinto Vilaça, in 2019, The Store was left to the current owner Manuel Machado, who we still find today cutting the slices and weighing the merchandise, Manuel Machado, a grocer by vocation, born and raised in Braga, has been in business for over six decades, serving the good and the best to his neighbours and customers.

Products and Services

Cod, table wines, port wines, whisky, brandies, liquors, preserves, cheeses, sausages, coffee, teas and spices.

Business Hours

Contacts

Parish: União das freguesias de Braga (São José de São Lázaro e São João do Souto)
Address: Rua de São João 5 a 9 , 4700-325 Braga
Postal Code: 4700-325 Braga
253278860
mercs.joao@bacalhau-portugal.com
http://www.bacalhau-portugal.com/
https://pt-pt.facebook.com/mercadosaojoao/

General Data

Main activity: Traditional food and drink retail
Opening Year: 1894
Main Code of Economic Activity (CAE): 47112