Supporting Local Businesses in St James Town

Written by Nea Maaty
Nea is a journalist with the Focus Media Arts Centre, funded by the Government of Canada through the Local Journalism Initiative. 

Many business owners have been affected by the pandemic, both big and small. However, in an environment where anti-black racism is rampant, Black businesses often have extra challenges.

The St. James Town neighbourhood is a diverse, multi-ethic community that is home to many newcomer businesses, the most visible of which are restaurants.  You can see different cuisines and ethnic food on every corner.

One ethnic community that has a strong footprint in the neighbourhood is the Ethiopian businesses. There are more than five Ethiopian restaurants and stores in the area. These businesses do not only serve the Ethiopian community but they are also sculpting new taste and preferences for residents in the neighbourhood.  You’ll find their customers from every community coming to enjoy the Injera bread ( Ethiopian bread) and the delicious Bamya with beef ( Okra with beef). In these restaurants options are offered from Kosher to halal to vegan and vegetarian.

Unfortunately keeping afloat has not been easy. Sava, an Ethiopian business owner, tells us about her experience in opening “Shalom” restaurant right prior to the pandemic. The restaurant drained her and her partner’s finances and left them with no choice but to lay off employees and to work themselves.  Together they worked more than 12 hours daily to run their own business and try to get back the money they invested.

Mohamed Dudu, is a long-time resident in St. James Town and enjoys living there. He says he choose to live in this neighbourhood, where all the political and religious differences dissolve. According to Dudu, “it’s sad to see the businesses suffering or shutting down.”  Dudu hopes that shopping locally and the sense of community will make them survive.

Ahmed, another Ethiopian business person, is the owner of Awaze Halal. A butcher store that has been in the neighbourhood for 8 years. “Everyone knows that we are here. Our customers come and support us…the business could be better, but we are doing good”.

Dudu feels that profiling businesses such as Awaze Halai and Shalom are great opportunity to remind people to support local businesses. Instead of ordering online, go to the store for a pick-up. Instead of ordering from big chains, go to your local restaurant and make it survive.

Only this way, we will all survive together.