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Newly opened Telomarket serves a food desert in Houston

Family-owned grocery store brings fresh meat, produce and more to underserved community

Michael Browne, Executive Editor

February 2, 2021

6 Slides
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Megan Salch

Telomarket became Houston’s newest grocery and meat market in January, opening in the city’s historic Fifth Ward with the help of a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to address and serve locations designated as “food deserts.”

The family-owned grocery store has been in the works since 2016, according to Elaido Ayala, co-owner of Telomarket. The 15,000-square-foot location prides itself on offering fresh produce and meat that’s prepared to order by an on-site butcher, in an underserved community.

“There are a lot of moving pieces in an agreement like this between the federal government, the City of Houston, private contractors and private business owners,” said Ayala. “Getting all these players to come together takes a lot of time. Now we look at what we’ve been able to accomplish — with the support of great partners — and we know Telomarket will be an important contributor to this neighborhood.”

Telomarket kicked off the grand opening on Jan. 9, with numerous vendors hosting tents in the parking lot, followed by various promotions and giveaways that included 5,000 cases of water, 5,000 cartons of eggs and 1,000 baskets of fruits and vegetables. Throughout the day, Telomarket’s kitchen and café provided a gathering area for guests, following social distancing protocols.

About the Author

Michael Browne

Executive Editor, Supermarket News

Michael Browne joined Supermarket News in 2018 after serving in managing and executive editor capacities at leading B2B media brands including Convenience Store NewsLicense Global and Travel Agent. He also previously served as content production manager for print and digital in the Business Intelligence division of Informa, parent company of Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News.

As executive editor, Mike oversees the editorial content of supermarketnews.com as well as the monthly print publication. He also directs all content-based brand-related projects including the annual Top 75 Retailers report, Category Guide, Retailer of the Year, research surveys and special reports, as well as podcast and webinar content. Mike has also presented and moderated at industry events.

In addition to the positions mentioned above, Mike has also worked as a writer and/or editor for special projects at American Legal Media (ALM), managing editor for Tobacco International, special projects editor at American Banker • Bond Buyer, and as production editor for Bank Technology News and other related financial magazines and journals published by Faulkner & Gray.

A graduate of Fordham University, Mike is based in New York City, where he was born and raised.

Contact Mike at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

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