New store in the neighborhood

Bryant's Neighborhood Marketplace located on Kissimmee Street.
Photo submitted by Jair Wright

A new convenience store has surfaced near Florida A&M University’s campus. The name of the store is Bryant’s Neighborhood Marketplace, and it is located at 533 Kissimmee St., just one block over from the Lawson Center.

The store is owned by fourth generation entrepreneur and psychotherapist Carter Wiggins. He is a native of Tallahassee and he grew up on Perry Street, behind Bragg Memorial Stadium, and is walking distance from the store.

According to operations manager Michele Dorsey, Wiggins’ aunt and uncle inspired him to open the store as they owned the original store in the 1940s. One of the store’s slogans is “Let’s Do it Again,” which derives from his aunt and uncle being the original owners and this store being a reincarnation of that idea.

The store has been open for three weeks and held its grand opening Nov. 2-3.

Dorsey is excited about the opportunity the store will provide for students. “We really want to tap into the student body and give them a safe place to hang out and eat snacks,” she said.

Another slogan the store stands by is “More Than Just a Convenience Store.” One of the things they plan to do is make the store a comfortable place for students to study, do homework, or read by adding outdoor tables and seating.

“I’ve been here like two or three times already and I would definitely recommend other students to shop here and plus it’s a black-owned business,” said senior biology major Craig Bowman.

“We got more coming,” Dorsey explained. “Soon we will be having hot lunches every day, more dairy products, and hot sausages. We will keep everything fresh and try to keep the cost down for our customers,” she said.

The store offers a 10 percent discount on any purchase for FAMU students who provide their student ID.

The store is not only convenient for students but also for employees at FAMU.

The store is now hiring part-time store managers and store clerks. People can apply and submit their applications on the store’s website: shopbryants.com

The convenient store is open every day for people who wish to visit. On Monday-Thursday the store is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.