Houston, TX is said to be welcoming its first Black-owned supermarket, and it’s called the District Market!

According to FOX26, the Black-owned District Market Green Grocer opened its doors during the holiday weekend after Robert Thomas decided to shift the narrative when the pandemic put a wrench in the plans of his original business.

Originally operating as District 1960 Nightclub, Thomas owned and operated the nightclub for five years before the COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on the business. Instead of leaving his life as an entrepreneur completely, he decided to use his passion for nutrition to create a grocery store that is made with the Black community in mind. 

1. The Vision

“That is my vision, to vegetate the Black community,” said Thomas in an interview with FOX26. “[You’ll find] fruit, vegetables, eggs, vegan meals for the vegan community. We have Black-owned washing powder, spices, herbs, and sauces.”

For customers, it’s nice to see a change in the neighborhood with the new grocery store.

“It’s quite special, actually, we don’t have this,” said customer Travia Jones. “Especially in this area, we only have Walmart and Kroger and after that, it kind of gets a little dry.”

2. The Vendors

The store, located just off of Cypress Creek Parkway in Houston, houses fresh fruits, veggies and various products from about 40 vendors.

Vendors include soy candles and essential bath salts from Arousing Aromas, soul rolls from the owner of Daranne’s, and a host of other Black-owned businesses.

3. The Plans

For Thomas, this is only the beginning as he disclosed further details on the future of the grocery store.

“Eventually, it will just be products in here and no vendors, just a regular store,” he continued. “I want to be in the running with HEB, Kroger, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s. I want to get to that level and I’m taking the Black vendors with me.”

Not only can shoppers grab fresh fruit and veggies, but they can even take it to the juice bar where the staff will juice it for them!

For those in the area, the supermarket is open Tuesday through Saturday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 9 p.m.