Small business owners push hard to keep the gears of entrepreneurship moving and oiled, and Mohammed Alazazi is no exception.
Originally from Iraq, Alazazi doesn’t have a background in the grocery business—encouragement from his culture, wife, sons, and in-laws inspired him to represent and sell the food that feeds them. Hummus Grocery is his first business venture, and he spent a long time debating whether or not to open the store.
“My wife supports me so much,” Alazazi says. “Without her, I wouldn’t be able to open this business—or do anything else.”
Alazazi brings most of his inventory from Michigan, where larger Middle Eastern distributors are thriving. He makes the trip—a 10-hour drive one way—once a month.
Hummus Grocery has been open for two months, selling varieties of Middle Eastern beverages, tahinis, spices, dry goods, and frozen items. But the real showstoppers are his fresh hummus (obviously) and tabbouleh, which he plans to eventually make part of a full menu.
“Once I get the proper licenses, I want to start selling sandwiches, like shawarma and falafel,” he says.
Considering the cost of commercial sinks and other equipment, as well as the time for a kitchen buildout, Alazazi says he’s “going to start step by step. I’m giving it my best.”