Bronx’s Black Bodega had its grand-opening on Saturday, February 20. Founder and Owner Alize Jones, a record label executive turned entrepreneur, opened the full-service deli and convenience store in the south Bronx.

The business was opened by Jones to serve the community, which has been hit hard economically during the Covid-19 pandemic. The mission is to provide and supply grocery items to the community where Jones was raised.

Photo by Carl Smith

The grand opening event was star-studded with appearances by Bronx borough president Reuben Diaz, Jr., Bronx Council member Vanessa Gibson, Mayoral Candidate and President of the United Bodegas of America, Fernando Mateo, Bronx rap artist and television host Peter Gunz, reality television personality Renee Graziano, Jadakiss and several other Bronx natives and officials.

Jones hopes Black Bodega will not only be a neighborhood deli but a business that would allow for new job opportunities for young adults and other local residents.

Photo by Carl Smith

“As a Black-owned business, it’s our goal to understand the plight of those in the surrounding community and provide a quality service our customers do deserve,” Jones said in a statement.

Visit Black Bodega at 231 East 167th Street in the Bronx on opening day for a look inside the local business turned community resource.

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