First And Only Black-Owned Supermarket Bringing Soul To Houston

Houston's first and only Black-owned supermarket is looking to make a splash in the food space, with hopes of one day competing with all the grocer giants out there.

District Market Green Grocer, owned by Robert Thomas, opened for business on Black Friday. Not only is the market Black-owned, but the products are provided by Black vendors, too, according to Fox 26 Houston.

"Right now I have over 30 Black vendors," Thomas said. "I want to be in the runnings with HEB, Kroger, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s. I want to get to that level and I’m taking the Black vendors with me."

Products at District Market range from "fruits, vegetables, eggs, vegan meals for the vegan community" to "Black-owned washing powder, spices, herbs and sauces." They also sell 100% coconut soy candles, bath alts, wax warmers and wax melts from Arousing Aromas— all handmade in Houston. The supermarket is complete with a juice bar that sells wheatgrass shots and turmeric health shots.

Daranne's also sells egg rolls at the supermarket, which is known for making a variety of egg rolls.

"We bring a little soul to the egg roll," said Malcom Wilson, co-owner of Daranne's.

"This one here is our Soul Roll which has our collard greens and smoked turkey. We have our Down South roll which has oxtails, rice and cabbage," said Raven Wilson, Malcom's wife and Daranne's co-owner.

District Market is also ready for the holidays — you can snag some Christmas wrapping paper with a Black Santa Claus on it.

"I think that's very original. You know, you don't see a Black Santa too many times," Thomas said.

The 4,000-square-foot supermarket is located at 3337 Cypress Creek Parkway and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.