Starting with a big dream in the humble beginnings of a Jamaica Plain basement, Francisco and Cindy Marte have built one of the pre-eminent wholesale companies in the city as they supply more than 300 bodegas and corner stores with tobacco products and accessories.

Last Wednesday, their 21 Wholesale Distribution company, which also has a retail presence on Washington Street at Los Caballeros Market, showed off its new, expanded headquarters on Hannon Street just off Norfolk Street with Mayor Michelle Wu looking on.

“We have been fighting for a long time, especially my brother Emanuel and my wife, Cindy; now, we made it,” said CEO Francisco Marte Jr. “We serve about every store in the city…I’ve been here 30 years and I have worked every street in this city and I have walked every street in Boston…I have learned in that time that this is not just about money, but about people and who supports you and how you can improve your life.”

21 Wholesale CEO Francisco Marte Jr. (right) spoke as Mayor Michelle Wu looked on.

Cindy Marte said the company was most recently in a small warehouse in Jamaica Plain, but needed more space. From being in business at Los Caballeros, they knew a broker who said the Hannon Street site could be a good opportunity for their warehouse and wholesale arm. They purchased the building last November, built out the space over the last six months, and stockpiled inventory for the opening of a bright, clean, and well-organized warehouse that will be used for deliveries to convenience stores of tobacco products like cigars, smoking accessories, cleaning products and medicines.

The Martes, who also operate a 21+ smoke shop in Jamaica Plain, are key members of the Boston Convenience Store Owners Association, which is how the family first met Wu when she was a councillor inquiring about small business operations.

Francisco Marte Sr. shares a laugh with Mayor Michelle Wu before the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

“I remember coming here a few months ago and it was a blank slate inside,” said the mayor. “There was nothing here. Francisco and Cindy had a great vision. They saw what it could be and built it out… [A wholesale operation here] helps our small businesses save money and keep their shelves stocked. It helps keep jobs and businesses in the neighborhoods.” She added, “Our corner stores and bodegas are the eyes and ears everywhere in our city.”

The Marte business is known for its tobacco products, including sourcing tobacco and cigars from Santo Domingo under the Old Man Cigar brand. Both Yunior Torres and Eduardo Gonzalez of Old Man were on hand to celebrate the expansion of 21 Wholesale.