Business Profile: Sairani Market, Mahopac
When Rose Naeem moved from Pakistan to the United States in 1999, she wasn’t awfully homesick because much of her family was already in the states. But still, nothing could replicate the food and culture that she experienced while living and growing up in the Middle East.
“I miss it,’ Rose said of the culture. “Definitely I miss it.”
Now, as co-owner of Sairani Market in Mahopac, Rose and her husband Shawn Naeem now have a slice of the culture they used to live every day. It reminds, even if just a little bit, of home.
Open for almost a month now, Sairani Market is a convenience store that has all the necessary household items that every American could ask for—and the uniqueness of Indian and Pakistani foods and goods for those interested in trying something different or for those from the Indian or Pakistani community who just want a taste of home.
The store located at 7 Brothers Plaza on Route 6 has Middle Eastern rice, beans, spices, oil, and beauty products, among other things.
Rose said residents that want those middle eastern items usually had to travel far from home in order to get those things, but now the trip is much more convenient with a store in the heart of town.
After Shawn came over to the states in 2011, he and Rose met and soon after were married. They now have a son who is a toddler. But even before tying the knot or having a little boy, the two knew they wanted to open a store together.
“When we met each other,” Rose said. “We talked about it.”
Rose used to be a dental assistant in Armonk in Westchester County, but stopped working for six months once she got married before they started the market. Once they found a location, it took about three months to get it open.
While the two already have an extensive amount of products to draw costumers, Rose said she is always asking for more feedback to improve the market.
“I ask my customers if they need anything so I can start carrying it,” she said.
While foot traffic is slowly yet steadily picking up during the week, Rose hopes a new sort of market can become a staple of the community.
“I know many people who are looking for a store like this. Right now, they have to travel far so people who know we have this kind of store and carry these type of groceries, they’re pretty happy,” Rose said.
Sairani Market is located at 565 Route 6 in Mahopac. Its phone number is 845-628-0220.
