Iraqi, African grocery stores open right next to each other

Surprise has never been called the international food capital of the world.

But a small corner of the Crossroads Towne Center has become a spot that has a flavor unlike anywhere else in Surprise.

Within six months of each other, Brothers Market, which specialists in Iraqi and Arabic goods, and African Staples, a spot to find African and Caribbean foods, coincidentally opened up right next to each other at 12801 W. Bell Road.

The co-owner of Brothers is an Iraqi citizen, while African Staples is run by a man from Sierra Leone.

“You talk about the American dream — that’s it right there,” said City Councilmember Johnny Melton, who represents the district that includes the stores.

Qasim Al Saedi and his American wife, Lori Hugue

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