BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The owners of Apon Market are putting the finishing touches on a brand-new grocery store on Broadway near Bailey Avenue. The owner says he was inspired to help after living in this community and seeing the desperate need for fresh food.
It’s all in the name at Apon Market as co-owner Mohammad Ismal looks to offer accessible fresh foods to the Broadway-Bailey neighborhood.
“Apon is meaning close one — something is close to you, near to you,” said Ismal.
“There was no supermarket, there’s like one or two bodegas,” added Ismal. “They don’t deliver like fresh stuff.”
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Ismal knows that struggle all too well, having spent time living on the East Side. That’s why he decided to open up a supermarket offering everything corner stores aren’t.
“We are ready to provide them fresh stuff every week, every day,” said Ismal. “They could get fresh stuff like fresh fruits, fresh veggies, fresh, you know, anything they’re looking for. You know I’ll provide them and we’re working to give everybody the best things, you know, quality stuff and everything.”
The market will offer Halal options, but Ismal wants residents to know this is a supermarket for all.
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Buffalo Common Council Member Mitch Nowakowski said this store is very needed in his district which is overrun with corner stores.
“When we have a proliferation and oversaturation of food stores that are only serving those really crummy items, I think that it’s really exploiting people in their poverty,” said Ismal. “So I’m really happy that the owner is now investing in a grocery store that will have a variety of products for people to actually have healthy and sustainable lives. To actually run a household and actually to raise themselves and their families.”
The Apon Market will open on Saturday and is still looking to fill positions.
For employment at the Apon Market, apply in-store at 1370 Broadway, Buffalo, N.Y., or call 716-322-0606.
Patrick Ryan is an award-winning reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2020. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.