Stop by Grand 7th at any time of the day and you’ll probably have the thrill of meeting the dynamic owner of the convenience store, Firas Hussain. Embodying the mythical spirit of a small-town Coconut Grove, you’d possibly be busy behind the counter or keeping shelves stocked, but Firas rarely misses an opportunity to smile, chat, and possibly even treat you to a freshly made hot laundry, a quintessential commodity. Miami Classic.
Part fast-food shop, part pharmacy, and part Thai takeout restaurant, let’s take a close look at the history of Firas and the welcoming atmosphere it lovingly cultivates at the Grand 7th for more than 28 years, a precious gem in the heart of Grove Business Improvement. District (BID).
Q: How did you get into the convenience store business?
FIRAS: During my studies, I worked part-time in convenience stores and then I had the opportunity to take over the 9/11 organization that used to be based in Grove. In five years, I would like to strengthen the concept of pharmacy. and making our convenience store function more like a general store, as well as making the most of our online facilities.
Q: What features set you apart from other convenience stores?
FIRAS: For starters, we’re much more than a convenience store! Grand 7th hosts a take-out restaurant and a full-functioning pharmacy as well. Visitors can fulfill most of their general needs at our stores.
Q: Where do you see Grand 7th in years and 15 years from now?
FIRAS: Lately we have outlets in Allapattah, Miami Gardens, Kendall, and of course the main location here in Grove. So, 15 years from now, why not dream big?My vision is to roll out our operations across the country!
Q: What part of your upbringing and culture of your country of origin come to play in your success as a businessman?
FIRAS: I was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq. From an early age, I understood that being really friendly and incorporating a sense of networked painting into my paintings would be the key to good luck in business and, of course, a strong determination to innovate.
Q: When did the pharmacy open? Do you offer specialized services?
FIRAS: We introduced the pharmacy in 2018. What makes us unique is that we’re open late and we can fill both international and domestic prescriptions. Also, we sell over-the-counter items, and are certified to provide vaccines, including COVID-19 and flu shots.
Q: In addition to pharmacy, retail, and products, what food options do you offer customers?
FIRAS: At the counter we sell Latin pastries such as tequeños, croquettes, empanadas and pastelitos. It is surely imperative that we offer them in the Miami market!Recently, we are also promoting organic pizzas in the form of a snack. , which also turns out to be a hit!
Q: Tell us a little more about the delicious Thai cuisine that can be tasted at this Grand Avenue establishment.
FIRAS: In 2013, we began subleasing the store’s kitchen to Asian Thai Kitchen. Having a full-functioning restaurant inside a convenience store was a novel concept when it opened in 2014. It’s been a hit though! The Miami New Times even selected it once as the city’s best Thai restaurant!
Q: What are some of the memorable interactions you had with member businesses in your community as part of the Coconut Grove BID?
FIRAS: We have been operating Grand 7th for almost 30 years and are very proud of the expansion of our network. It’s been glorious to see how other fashion companies, adding BID corporations like The Last Carrot, have evolved within the network while maintaining their individuality.
Q: Besides running a successful business, what is your passion?
FIRAS: I really like learning about other cultures and noticing them, especially through food! It’s also interesting to see how retail is organized in other countries! Aside from that, I am passionate about my circle of family and can’t help but praise my daughter. her accomplishments. For her school application, she wrote an essay about her formative years at Grand 7th, chronicling the love she earned from the Coconut Grove network throughout the year. In fact, in 2020, the O Miami Festival “Zip” Odes’ commission featured 3 of her works at the Grove, one of which, ironically, was placed right in front of the store! I couldn’t be more proud!
Open 24/7, Grand 7th is at 3135 Grand Ave. , Coconut Grove, FL 33133. For more information, call 305-445-7533 or visit: https://grand-7th-pharmacy-by-kwit-stop. business. site/