Think back to the first months of the pandemic in 2020. Fear, uncertainty and doubt that things would ever feel “normal” ran rampant.
Many of us were staying at home trying to discover a new hobby to help stay busy. But Ahmed Dhali? He started a business.
He was inspired to open KNL Food Market at 706 Terrace Boulevard in Depew because he knew there were a lot of people in the area who had to walk several blocks to get to any type of grocery store.
The shop sells groceries, snacks, cold drinks, convenience and home items, as well as some clothing and shoes. Patrons can also order hot and cold subs, made on site.
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While many small businesses struggled during the pandemic, some being forced to close entirely, Ahmed persevered.
“I think the challenge was that it was frightening,” he says.
But ironically, the time was ripe for a store like KNL to open because of the essential necessities it stocked, like food, Lysol products and toilet paper. It was able to stay open, putting items aside for customers and not limiting purchase amounts.
Five years later, the pandemic may have waned, but the care for his customers has not.
“I try to remember their names,” Ahmed says. “I try to remember what is going on in their life so that it makes them feel like family.”
Jessie Ellis goes into the market regularly with her kids for “the best subs around.” It’s not just the food—the kind staff and comfortable environment help, too.
A steak sub from KNL, renowned by regulars. They plan to expand their kitchen in the near future.
Jason Berghold is another regular customer that has been going to KNL Food Market since they opened.
“The reason why they thrive there is because they treat everyone like family and do whatever they can to help the customers,” he says. “It truly is a one-of-a-kind store that has the neighborhood in mind and puts its customers first.”
KNL customers often see Ahmed’s kids helping out at the market. His father owned a few grocery stores when he was growing up and always included his family. Now, Ahmed is following in his footsteps.
“Anything to make it feel like they’re a part of it,” he says. “I want to do everything my dad started and finish it.”
Ahmed’s devotion to his family also shows up in the name of the market itself. KNL is named after two of his children as well as his nephew. “K” for his son Kaleb, “N” for his nephew Naseem and “L” for his daughter Layla. His brother, Talal Dhali, is now partial owner, and both of their wives also help out as needed.
Looking forward, Ahmed hopes to add a full kitchen and outdoor seating to KNL Food Market, and he intends to open several other businesses with his family. The most immediate new venture is a taco restaurant in Alden set to open in June. It will be called Sophia’s Taqueria, named after his third child.
