Leone Star African Market — Local services in Nashville-Davidson

Came here to get some much needed supplies. I was really excited to find an African grocery store in Nashville. I hate to give these reviews but here it goes. As someone that has been to different state and always finds the African store this one was disappointing. The space is small and unorganized. Just stuff everywhere. It’s really hard to get help as there is only person up front. The main reason for my review is not about the space but rather the quality of food . I bought crawfish, fish powder, sardines, luncheon meat, cassava leaves, palm oil, maggi, African hot pepper, fufu, and smoked/ dried fish. My crawfish and smokes fish are full of SAND. I mean sand everywhere like scoops. I soaked it in hot water and washed it about five times and still it’s just filled with sand. My sink was covered in sand. My mouth was covered in sand when I tasted it. First I was upset because I washed all the flavors out and second I was unable to get all the sand still but finally I came to terms that I had to throw it away and waste my money. I would certainly not recommend to buy crawfish or smoked fish here. Hefty price for poor quality. I also saw two mouse still on the traps by the fridge. Lots of items everywhere which makes it impossible to walk around. In addition lots of items with no prices marks which makes it hard to stick to a budget to gauge how much you will be spending. Almost seems like the prices are made up depending on who you are. They do accept EBT. I don’t have EBT so my total was a steep for the items I got before and after taxes were added. All other items purchased have been good. The sardine, palm oil, fufu, cassava leaves, and hot peppers good quality. Would I return to this place absolutely not. I drove an hour for poor customer service and bad quality food. I know there are few other African grocery stores around so I will be checking them out. I cherish my money and felt I did not get what I paid for. Also I felt everything was overpriced. Yes, I do know what these items will typically cost either on Amazon, or at other African grocery stores and believe me they are overpriced here. Would I recommend going here yes if you don’t buy the crawfish and smoked fish. Wish they can close for some much needed remodeling and labeling on items. Your experience may be different than mine, but this was my first time here. Hope this helps!

Replying to owner: Please read your customers prior reviews. We are all saying the same thing. These reviews are not an attack on your business but rather our personal experiences. You can make this establishment better. Validate the concerns that have been brought up and make the necessary changes. In the end it...

🚨 WARNING: Do NOT Shop at Leone Star African Market – Fraudulent & Unsafe! 🚨 Location: Leone Star African Market – Nashville, TN

Let me be very clear: this is the most dishonest and unsafe store I’ve ever stepped foot in. I am writing this review not just for myself, but to warn others before they fall victim to what’s happening here.

🔴 1. They Sold Me Expired Bread — It Grew Mold Overnight! I purchased a loaf of bread from this store in the afternoon. By the next morning, when I went to serve it to my family, it already had visible growth and mold on it. That tells you everything — this store is selling expired, unsafe food that clearly isn’t stored properly. Disgusting and unacceptable.

🔴 2. My Family Member Was Defrauded — Overcharged by Hundreds of Dollars My relative went in to buy one item for $19. When she got home and reviewed her receipt, the total was over $300! They had fraudulently added dozens of items she never bought. This wasn’t a scanning mistake — it was intentional theft. When she went back to complain, the owner was dismissive and rude, refusing to take responsibility.

🔴 3. Cramped, Dirty, and Completely Unprofessional This store is filthy and unorganized. The aisles are narrow and packed, with products stacked on top of each other and on the floor. You can barely move without bumping into something. It looks like a warehouse dump, not a store. There is no sense of hygiene or safety.

🔴 4. The Owner is Rude, Aggressive, and Untrustworthy Every time I’ve interacted with the owner, she’s been hostile and disrespectful. If you dare to ask questions or complain about pricing or quality, she acts like you’re the problem. No apology. No professionalism. Just attitude and gaslighting.

🔴 5. Suspected Food Stamp Fraud I also strongly suspect this business may be involved in EBT (food stamp) fraud. Based on what I’ve seen, including questionable transactions and pricing games, I’ll be reporting them to the USDA and state authorities for a formal investigation.

❌ Final Advice: STAY FAR AWAY. Sold me expired food

Overcharged my family by hundreds of dollars

Rude and fraudulent owner

Unsanitary and unsafe conditions

Suspected EBT abuse

I will be filing a report with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, and I plan to submit complaints to the Health Department, Business Licensing Board, and USDA. If you’ve had a bad experience, please speak up. Don’t let them continue to get...

I am confused by the poor reviews. I messaged the store asking for a product and they responded that they had it and so, i planned a trip over! I came here today and they were all so nice. I bought some snack cookies and came to cure my Ayilo craving (I see ppl here call it Kaolin chalk lol) and I bought that, the cookies and went on my way satisfied. The complaints about the store being conjested are strange--of course it is conjested. She is working with a very small space but has so many things to offer. Africa is a big place. I saw many things from many different African countries when I took a walk around. I walked around the small space and saw dozens of familiar Nigerian & Ghanaian supplies which brought me joy for sure. I will be back with my baby! My baby will love hunting around for cookies or maybe Chin Chin. We will even get ingredients for Puff Puff there which is my baby's favorite next to chin chin. I was greeted when I walked in, roped into friendly conversations at the counter and treated like family until I walked out the door. I am glad this store is here, thanks for making me...