Charlotteway Tropical Market — Local services in Lawrenceville

Didn't feel welcomed at all. As soon as I walked in, she had her little minion that was there to follow me around the store to make sure I wasn't stealing. When I would be in a certain aisle, the woman would suddenly appear. It was very obvious she was watching me. When I would moved to another aisle, there she was again. I was so offended that I made sure not to spend a dime in the store and I immediately left.

I would expect that type of behavior from a White owned, Asian owned, or Hispanic ownen business because of racism. But for another black women to look at and follow around another black woman in your establishment to make sure that I wasn't stealing was something I never experienced from another black person. Here I was, only wanting to buy some Cassava Leaves, some Tea Bread, some Chin-Chin & to support an African Business, and I immediately get treated like I was a thief. I am sure that I have more money in my savings account than the owner and all of her employees combined and they were behaving like that towards me....

So I go in there to buy kola nut and she hands me the bag and as I look through she tells me not to pick all the good ones. I was puzzled by that especially since kola nut is a perishable item. I eventually tell her that I’m the one paying for this so I will pick out what I want to buy.

The person I was with was looking at flags and she stares him up and down and ask , “What are you doing?” And he says, “I’m looking at the flags you’re selling.” He eventually buys kola nut as well and as he’s looking through she grabs the bag and says, “Are you done?” And he responds, “No I am not.” And she says, “Well I have to go!” Mind you, it’s about 6:20 pm and the store doesn’t close until 7:00pm.

After we pay for our things we tell her, “For us to be spending money, you are very rude”. She responds, “You should appreciate Ma for having this stuff sell!”

There’s so many more African stores around… I will not be going back...

I called to check the price per pound for goat meat and the lady that answered the phone was beyond rude! She seemed frustrated by the question and said that the meat was already priced to sell but wouldn't tell me the price. She yelled and said to come in and see for myself! Her attitude was unwarranted and more than enough to NEVER want to set foot as a patron in there! I'm still in shock, never have I been treated this way for asking a simple question! Prior to calling this establishment I contacted another African store and the person that answered was very kind and put me on hold to go check the price on the goat meat. I was calling to compare prices but this lady overreacted as if I owed her money! Business must not be good and it wouldn't be surprising with this extremely low quality...