Muslim Family Opens Up Grocery Store For All

This week's Patch Portraits also feature the story of a Northbrook man determined to end hunger, and the story of the and oldest business in town. 

Khaleel Musa, 19, recalls his family's weekly trips into Chicago on Sundays for the food that fit their Islamic customs, such as halal meat. The and Northridge Preparatory School graduate said it was occasionally difficult to get the food they needed during the week. 

So, along with a handful of uncles, cousins and his father Saleh, the Morton Grove resident opened Rayan Supermarket, next to El Sol Restaurant at the corner of Dempster Street and Austin Avenue, in March.

"We know there's a diverse community in Morton Grove," said Musa, whose father moved to the U.S. from Palestine. "We wanted to open up a multicultural market that serves everyone." 

One can gulp down freshly squeezed orange juice, stock up on staples, or eat a homemade sandwich, in addition to the speciality meats, breads and spices.

The store is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and closes early at  8 p.m. on the weekends.