South of Chicago Groceries

After surviving a harrowing robbery at gunpoint in their former Chicago grocery store, Nidal and DaBrona Alzebdieh arrived in Bloomington-Normal 16 years ago with little more than their children and a desire for safety. They found it—and now, through resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, they’ve brought nourishment and community renewal to one of Bloomington’s most underserved neighborhoods.

In August 2025, DaBrona and her son Joshua opened South of Chicago Groceries, LLC, a 2,000-square-foot community grocery store located across from Miller Park. The location isn’t just strategic—it’s essential. West Bloomington is classified by the USDA as a food desert, with limited access to fresh, affordable food, especially for residents without reliable transportation.

The store offers fresh fruit, pantry staples, household necessities, and culturally relevant items in a walkable location. With plans to open a restaurant and a shared-use commissary kitchen, the Alzebdiehs are building more than a business—they’re cultivating opportunity.

“This is more than groceries. It’s about dignity and health. Our store helps neighbors who don’t have cars. We’re a part of the community, because this community saved us when we needed it most.” – DaBrona Alzebdieh

The Challenge

Opening a small grocery store in a low-income neighborhood presented financial and logistical hurdles. From expensive refrigeration needs to food safety compliance, the family had to navigate unfamiliar regulatory processes and secure resources to grow.

SBDC Support

The Illinois SBDC of McLean County at Illinois Wesleyan University played a pivotal role in their journey. The Center helped:

• Refine the business plan and financial projections

• Prepare and submit the DCEO Grocery Store Grant application

• Support SAM registration and state certifications

• Research and plan for a shared-use commissary kitchen, including McLean County Health Department compliance

• Provide long-term consulting and community partnership connections

Community Impact & Growth

• The business employs local family members and supports neighborhood foot traffic

• They divert soon-to-expire produce to local nonprofits and the Miller Park Zoo

• They source from Illinois farms and plan to grow their fresh produce offerings

• DaBrona actively responds to individual customer needs—once delivering corn on the cob personally

What’s Next?

The Alzebdiehs plan to expand into hot food service by opening a restaurant in the adjacent unit. Future phases include online ordering, delivery options, and a certified commissary kitchen to support other local food entrepreneurs.

Final Thoughts

DaBrona encourages other aspiring business owners to “believe in the community that believes in you.” She credits the SBDC as a lifeline, saying, “They stood with us through every step. The SBDC gave us not just resources, but the courage to move forward.”