Food at last: RNJ Supermarket opens

Elmwood

Imagine being in the middle of cooking a meal or making a dessert when you realize that a key ingredient is missing. You can’t continue until you buy it, which could be a problem if you live in one of Winnipeg’s food deserts, with limited access to groceries. For residents of Elmwood still lamenting the loss of Tasse’s Balkan in February 2024, a new store called RNJ Supermarket should make meal preparation much easier.

For over a year, people living in Elmwood and Glenelm have had limited opportunities for grocery shopping. Other than a few small corner stores, the nearest groceries are far away on Kimberley Avenue. This fall, however, a sign went up at the site of the former Tasse’s store at 185 Stadacona St., announcing the opening of a new store called RNJ Supermarket.

“My best friend Jafer and I started this store because we wanted to create a place where people in Elmwood could find everything they need under one roof, with friendly service and a sense of community,’ said co-owner Robel Gebreyesus, said.

Gebreyesus (the R in RNJ) will work with co-founder Jafer Mohamed (the J), and local clerks and other staff members. The store’s hours are Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the possibility of extended hours in the future. In addition to regular grocery items, the owners hope to offer a variety of specialty items as well as Winnipeg Transit Peggo cards, bus tickets, phones and more. A fresh deli section is planned for the store.

A new grocery store will make shopping easier and reduce food insecurity in Elmwood. According to the Winnipeg Foundation’s website, the neighbourhoods of Chalmers, Elmwood, and Glenelm are areas where residents “face significant barriers to obtaining fresh, nutritious food.” Although the Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation’s Better Access to Groceries (BAG) program has been helpful, a full grocery store is still necessary. The new RNJ Supermarket could be the answer.

Beyond selling groceries, the owners hope that the store will be a hub for the community.

“We’re really looking forward to getting to know our customers, hearing their stories, and helping make Elmwood an even stronger, friendlier community. At RNJ Supermarket, we hope everyone who walks in leaves feeling at home,” Mohamed said.