Lifting up voices with Midway Grocery & Deli and Brick by Brick

Midway Grocery & Deli 

Faisal Yusuf has years of experience working in grocery stores, which inspired the opening of this anchor for the BROWNstone commercial in 2018. Midway is more than just a place to buy halal groceries, snacks, and East African style take-out; it is a resource hub for the community.

“People come to us with questions, even language assistance, and we help them in that aspect as well.” —Faisal Yusuf , Midway Grocery & Deli owner

“People come to us with questions and sometimes language assistance, and we help them in that aspect as well,” Faisal reports. With immigration enforcement creating deep uncertainty for many communities, keeping the doors open felt like an impossible task, but Midway staff made it happen. Faisal wants his store to remain a welcoming and safe space for all who come to shop. Shopping small helps local economies, and at Midway, shopping local opens up a world of cultures and community.

---

Brick by Brick

Since June 2022, Brick by Brick has offered a curated collection of sneakers, art, and fashion, creating a space for culture to authentically thrive after the pandemic. “We curate more than products. We preserve creativity, individuality, and the narrative of streetwear within our community,” say co-owners Harris and Anthony.

“We curate more than products. We preserve creativity, individuality, and the narrative of streetwear within our community.” —Harris and Anthony, Brick by Brick co-owners

Brick by Brick operates as a civic and cultural hub with an emphasis on collective care in the neighborhood. As soon as you walk in, you’re immersed in an environment where inspiration, belonging, and creative energy intersect. “We host food drives, back-to-school drives, turkey and toy giveaways, and even welcome families for visits from Santa Claus.” Model Cities provided business support that helped accelerate their growth, as they transformed their strong vision for community into a sustainable enterprise.