Wazobia is not just a food Market, “It’s a movement” —Tunde Fasina

Wazobia African Market is trending. “It’s more than a grocery store. To me, it’s a movement. A movement for quality food; a movement for lower prices; a movement for community support and empowerment; and a movement to feed the masses,” said Mr. Tunde Fasina, the owner of the Wazobia chain.

One location is on 6203 Westheimer Road – sitting between State Highway 6 (SH 6) and Farm to Market Road 1464 (FM 1464). There is another one on 10828C Beechnut Street sitting right by Wilcrest. Yet all the Wazobia stores have a variety of things in common. The aisles are always braced against a lively throng of vibrant colors of assorted provisions and groceries. In addition, there is also the Wazobia African kitchen. It is a compartment where food is prepared and served to customers to eat or take out. The aroma of inviting freshly cooked food could be perceived from afar.

The stores are always busy. A justification of a loaded inventory of both wholesale and retail household foodstuff. A trip to the Westheimer branch confirmed the obvious. Customers can be seen pushing and shoving as they squeeze past one another trying to check out bargains. Then there is this long line in the eatery area. They are customers from all over waiting to pick up orders.

Over the years, the Wazobia African Market has remained the fastest growing and leading African Grocery store in the City of Houston. It was established on June 18, 2013, to encourage economic development and community building, and to provide authentic products from all African cultures. All Wazobia locations offer Authentic African products and affordable quality food that are often hard to find.

To the greater Houston, especially the African community, Wazobia represents more than just a successful food business. For example, on April 27th, 2019 when the Beechnut location was inaugurated, Houston’s Mayor, Sylvester Turner commended Mr. Fasina for his contributions and phenomenal support to the African community, especially in his role in assisting families impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

Tunde Fasina…. He told the Texas International Guardian News that his community and humanitarian activities are consistent with his organizational mission.

But Wazobia has been consistent with community support. For instance, during the City’s Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts, Wazobia provided free meals to over 200 families. Wazobia has also sponsored major events in the African community, including AfriFEST, Africa Fashion Week Houston, IgboFest, and the Nigeria Cultural Parade held in Downtown Houston. Furthermore, Wazobia is a committed sponsor for Africa Day held annually at City Hall.

By Fall 2019, the food entity officially incorporated a Scholarship program to benefit outstanding academically sound high school students on a need basis in the African community. Mr. Fasina told the Texas International Guardian News that his community and humanitarian activities are consistent with his organizational mission. “Of course, the aim of every business is to make a profit but we are a community-oriented business with a covenant to prioritize family welfare,” noted Mr. Fasina.

“Of course, the aim of every business is to make a profit but we are a community-oriented business with a covenant to prioritize family welfare”

Mr. Fasina continued,  “You may have also heard about our annual Customer Appreciation event which attracts thousands of Houstonians.  This is a family and community fun-filled event organized to appreciate Houston families, friends, and customers with tangible recreational events and prizes. We float free food, drinks, games, and a raffle draw. Besides big item prizes, there are various opportunities where participants or guests win big cash rewards.”

Again, Mr. Fasina noted, “This is just to say thank you Houston for being a part of our family. We strategically created this annual event to further appreciate our esteemed Houston and African family, friends, and especially our customers who troop in and out of our stores to shop.

This year for instance, on Saturday, June 18th, 2022, Wazobia celebrated this event and gave out a grand prize of one year’s worth of free groceries.

Mr. Fasina was right about the Customer Appreciation event. This year for instance, on Saturday, June 18th, 2022, Wazobia celebrated this event and gave out a grand prize of one year’s worth of free groceries. Last year, one Nkechi Igboekwu emerged as the first prize winner of a Hyundai Sonata at the same event.