Robert Thomas, owner of District 1960, found success entertaining many celebrities in his nightclub, including Megan Thee Stallion and Moneybagg Yo, before COVID-19 hit and ruined his business.
“They told me I was non-essential,” he told CBS reporter, Omar Villafranca. “It made me rethink who I am, what my purpose is.”
Thomas quickly discovered what this purpose was and decided to bring together Black vendors to sell their products at his grocery store, becoming one of Houston’s first Black-owned supermarkets.
Known as District Market Green Grocer, Thomas’ supermarket has a total of 40 Black vendors that are selling things such as frozen foods, fruits, spices, meat and vegetables. For those who want a quick drink as they shop, the store also features a juice bar which sells drinks made completely from the vendors’ products.
Those working alongside Thomas expressed that they’re grateful for the opportunity he’s given them. Emory Davis is one of the vendors selling his products at District Marker Green Grocer. As owner of My Mark 61. Cattle Co., a business that sells natural grass-fed meat, he’s happy that Thomas has given him a platform small enough for his company to handle the demand.
“This is a good outlet because you’re able to grow with him,” Davis said to CBS News. “He’s starting. And then once he gets another location, hopefully you can grow with that and then you’ll be able to supply that next location.”
Some of the vendors at Thomas’ store are new to selling their products as the shortage during the pandemic forced them to get creative with where they’re getting goods from. Robb and Jessica Tannan, founders of Signature Sudz. Owners, struggled at the beginning of the shutdown to find necessary products such as soap and detergent to keep their laundry business afloat.
To deal with this, they decided to make their own soap and other materials. After marketing it to their own laundry clients, the Tannans decided to join Thomas’ grocery store in the hopes that business will grow for them.
“To be able to start at these markets and build the customer base, build the product recognition, that’s super important,” Jessica Tannan told the news outlet. “And to do it with a community like what Robert is building is just super. I mean, it’s just a win.”
Thomas’ business opportunity comes at an important time for Black vendors. According to a study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Black owners suffered the most out of every racial group in the pandemic as 41% lost their business. In a 2021 study, they found that Black business owners lost the most money as their revenue went down 53%.
With the newfound success of his grocery store, Thomas hopes to be able to expand his company and give more Black vendors opportunities. “You could never have told me I would have become a grocer,” said Thomas. “Now, I want locations all over the world.”
