Rock Hill, September 17, 2025
News Summary
Rock Hill is witnessing a transformative shift in its food culture with the emergence of Surefire Market, owned by brothers Edric Lutuangu, Joel Lutuangu, and Magloire Lubika. Originally a convenience store, it has now become a vibrant community hub. Following a kitchen fire in 2024, the business adapted from a food truck model to establishing a brick-and-mortar location, offering a diverse menu including healthier options to the local residents. This initiative demonstrates their commitment to community engagement and addressing food insecurity.
Rock Hill Transforms with Surefire Market’s Innovative Approach
Rock Hill witnesses a unique transformation in local food culture with the emergence of Surefire Market, a business owned by brothers Edric Lutuangu, Joel Lutuangu, and Magloire Lubika. Originally a small convenience store, Surefire Market has evolved into a community hub and food destination that reflects the brothers’ dedication to serving local residents.
Roots and Transition
The idea behind Surefire Market began when the brothers’ parents owned a convenience store known as Jeman Express on Charlotte’s west side. Building on this legacy, the brothers purchased the first Surefire location in Rock Hill, which initially operated as a popular hot dog spot. However, a kitchen fire at the Rock Hill restaurant in 2024 prompted a strategic pivot to a food truck model, expanding their reach while they worked to reopen a permanent location.
A New Direction: Food Truck to Brick-and-Mortar
The Surefire Market food truck operated outside Hopfly Brewing in South End before eventually establishing a new brick-and-mortar presence at Camp North End. The expanded menu now features a wide variety of options, including burgers, chicken sandwiches, and sides, with entree prices ranging from $8 to $13 and sides priced between $3 and $6. This diverse range accommodates different tastes and budgets, appealing to a broad customer base.
Serving the Community
Besides offering hearty food, Surefire Market operates as a bodega, selling essential items such as snacks, drinks, and toiletries. Recognizing the community’s need for healthier options, the market introduced a fruit and vegetable stand in 2022, providing local residents in a food desert with items like plums, onions, oranges, and tomatoes. This initiative has been well-received, contributing to an improved access to fresh produce in the area.
Community Focus and Employment
The brothers have deep ties to their community, and they emphasize hiring 100% of their workforce from the local Rock Hill population. Surefire Market has undergone significant renovations to enhance its offerings, including a revamped kitchen and the addition of a vibrant mural that reflects the energetic spirit of the neighborhood. The brothers aim to inspire minority business owners and improve access to crucial food resources in underrepresented areas.
Addressing Food Insecurity
Surefire Market operates in a region with a notable lack of grocery stores, where many residents do not own cars, making accessibility a critical issue. Community initiatives, such as the FARMacy Community Farmstop, are working alongside Surefire Market to tackle food insecurity in south Rock Hill. The brothers attribute their success to the unwavering support from the community, which they are committed to engaging further through sustained involvement.
Conclusion
As Surefire Market continues to thrive, it serves not only as a food destination but as a vital community resource committed to fostering connections and uplifting local residents in Rock Hill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Surefire Market?
Surefire Market is a business owned by brothers Edric Lutuangu, Joel Lutuangu, and Magloire Lubika, transforming from a convenience store into a community hub and innovative food destination in Rock Hill.
What types of food does Surefire Market offer?
Surefire Market offers a diverse menu including burgers, chicken sandwiches, sides, and drinks, with entree prices ranging from $8 to $13 and sides priced between $3 and $6.
What community initiatives does Surefire Market support?
The market incorporates a fruit and vegetable stand to provide access to healthy food options in a food desert area and works alongside community efforts to address food insecurity.
Where is Surefire Market located?
The new brick-and-mortar location of Surefire Market is at Camp North End in Rock Hill.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Owners | Edric Lutuangu, Joel Lutuangu, Magloire Lubika |
| Original Store | Jeman Express |
| Location | Rock Hill, Camp North End |
| Menu Items | Burgers, chicken sandwiches, sides |
| Price Range | Entrees: $8-$13, Sides: $3-$6 |
| Community Initiatives | Fruit and vegetable stand |
| Workforce Policy | 100% local hiring |
| Commitment | Addressing food insecurity |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Growth of Minority-Owned Businesses in Charlotte
Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Surefire Market’s Transformation
- Charlotte Observer: Food Scene in Rock Hill
- WBTV: Minority Entrepreneurship in North Carolina
- US Bank: Supporting Small Businesses
- Charlotte Observer: Community Business Development
- Wikipedia: Food Insecurity
- Google Search: Food Deserts in Rock Hill
- Google Scholar: Community Food Initiatives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Support
- Google News: Food Insecurity North Carolina
Author: HERE Charlotte
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