Friendly Mini-Mart discovered more families are now shopping at the store. A common complaint about convenience stores is they don’t sell fresh produce, but Ali said no one buys it when it’s in stock.
There’s no question many residents without cars rely on convenience stores.
“It’s convenient, plus they got stuff most grocery stores have and you can’t get to,” said Angelina Castro. “It’s a little expensive, but they take food stamps too.
Warren wants to make sure the stores are responsible and operating legitimately.
“A lot of our residents won’t go to these stores because they feel (the stores) are taking advantage of their community,” she said.
As for Friendly Mini-Mart, everyone knows the police van could move any day now.
“Now it’s beautiful. We hope they stay forever,” Ali said.
