It has been almost seven months since the closing of the M&F University Grocery and Deli, but under new ownership and with an optimistic outlook towards the future, the shop's bright red "OPEN" lights are shining once again.
The new owner of the store is Abdul Hassain, longtime friend of Ziad Nasser, who was fatally shot during a robbery last year, as well as Hassain's brother.
"I had been living and working in New York City for the past 21 years, as I have owned my own store," Hassain said. "When I heard about the possibility of the University Deli being for sale, I jumped at the chance to buy it."
With the exciting prospect of owning his own store, Hassain's consideration for his family was also a main cause for his move to Buffalo.
"I have two sons, 18 and 16, that are approaching that age for college... I hope they will both attend UB or a school in the area," Hassain said. "They are both now in Lackawanna High School, and my oldest son is being scouted by a number of colleges in the area for soccer."
Despite the recent violent history of the University Deli and its location in the University Heights, Hassain says he is not apprehensive.
"In my opinion, I do not feel that this is a bad neighborhood," he said. "The store is in a great location and so far, everyone has been extremely friendly and happy to see that it has been reopened. I feel that I have made a wise decision in coming here."
Hassain was adamant in expressing his sorrow for the family of Nasser, but feels that is the right move to have the store reopened.
"What happened to Ziad is a tragedy, simple as that. The fact is, life has to keep going, and you have to keep moving forward."
He said that the name of the store will remain the same as a tribute to Ziad Nasser, and affirms that his store will be there for the long haul.
"The summer is approaching, business is steadily getting better, and I feel that very happy to be in Buffalo, very happy to be the owner the M&F University Grocery and Deli."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
