Suzy De Jésus, who opened Lusitana, a Portuguese grocery store on Avenue du Maréchal-Foch in Le Puy-en-Velay, has decided to relocate her shop to the foot of the cathedral for greater visibility. It still offers essential specialties like cod and various prepared dishes such as barbecued chicken, bringing a touch of sunshine to your plate, as well as a selection of port wines and iconic beers like Super Bock and Sagres. Customers can also enjoy some of the specialties at the few tables set up in the entrance of the store.
What was your background before settling in Velay?
Suzy De Jésus: I lived in Saint-Étienne, where my parents, of Portuguese origin, had come to work in the 60s and 70s before returning to their country of origin. As for me, I spent about thirty years in a small village near Faro, Portugal, before returning to Saint-Étienne in 2011 and meeting my husband at the end of 2012. Afterwards, I moved to Vorey-sur-Arzon, as I prefer the countryside to the city. I fell in love with this area, and in 2023 I decided to take over the Portuguese grocery store that was located on Avenue Foch in Le Puy-en-Velay.
What prompted you to move your shop?
Suzy De Jésus: Actually, I wanted to move closer to the city center to benefit from better visibility and make it easier for people with limited transportation, especially older people, to come to the shop. It covers an area of about 80 square meters, but the back room is a bit larger.
What types of products can be found there?
Suzy De Jesus: There's cod, of course! I offer it frozen, as a frozen ready meal, but also salted cod that you can prepare at home. There's also barbecue chicken as a ready meal. It's one of the most well-known dishes in Portugal! We also have octopus to prepare at home, as well as charcuterie and cheese. I have a cellar with a wide selection of ports and also some very good table wines that I'm happy to offer tastings of. And then there are the well-known Portuguese beers like Super Bock and Sagres. All my products are shipped directly from Portugal via a carrier.
Can we taste it on site?
Suzy De Jesus: Yes. There are always people passing by to drink a Portuguese coffee or to enjoy, for example, Portuguese doughnuts, rissoles, or even pillows with a beer or a port on the tables that I have placed at the entrance of the grocery store.
Who is your clientele?
Suzy De Jesus: There are, of course, people of Portuguese origin, as many live here. I even have some who come from neighboring departments. There are also people who simply appreciate Portuguese products, and then there are tourists passing through. I don't hesitate, in fact, to give them a few recipes!
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