Deidre Williams

A healthy community has healthy businesses, says local grocer Abdulla “Tony” Ahmed.

So when he opened his Double Apple grocery store in February on Bailey Avenue in Buffalo’s Kenfield neighborhood, Ahmed decided not to sell cigarettes in the establishment.

That was based on research that showed flavored cigarettes – such as menthol – are especially appealing to young and newer smokers who become more nicotine dependent and less successful at quitting. And menthol use is more common among Black, Hispanic and Asian smokers. Ahmed doesn’t sell alcohol, either.

Now, recognizing the importance of businesses bringing life and jobs to neighborhoods, he recently purchased a shuttered Rite Aid store about a block away from his existing supermarket for $1.75 million.

He doesn’t

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