On our recent visit to Grand 7th, we had the distinct pleasure of meeting the dynamic owner, Firas Hussain. A man who embodies the spirit of this legendary establishment in Coconut Grove, Firas, welcomed us with open arms. He extended an offer we couldn’t refuse: a freshly made colada, a quintessential Miami classic. Let’s take a close look at Firas’s story and the warm, inviting atmosphere that makes Grand 7th ago.
BID: How did you get your start in the convenience store business?
FIRAS: I used to work part-time in convenience stores during college and later was given the opportunity to take over the 7/11 that used to be in the Grove. In five years, I’d love to fortify the pharmacy concept and have our convenience store operate more as a general store, as well as make most of our services available online.
BID: What unique features set you apart from other convenience stores in general and in the area?
FIRAS: For starters, we’re much more than a convenience store! Grand 7th hosts a take-out restaurant and a full-functioning pharmacy as well. Visitors can fulfill most of their general needs at our stores.
BID: Where do you see yourself and/or your operation in five years, and in 15 years?
FIRAS: We currently have stores in Allapattah, Miami Gardens, Kendall, and of course the flagship location here in the Grove. So, 15 years from now, why not dream big? My vision is to have our operation running across the country!
BID: What aspects of your upbringing and the culture of your country of origin come to play in your success as a businessman?
FIRAS: I was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq. From an early age, I understood that knowing how to be genuinely friendly, and to incorporate a community feel into my work would be a key to success in business – and of course a strong devotion to being innovative.
BID: When was the pharmacy introduced? Does it offer any specialized services?
FIRAS: We introduced the pharmacy in 2018. What makes us unique is that we’re open late and can fill both international and domestic prescriptions. We also sell over-the-counter items and are certified to provide vaccines, including COVID-19 and flu shots.
BID: In addition to the pharmacy and other retail products you offer, what are some of the food selections available at Grand 7th?
FIRAS: At the counter, we sell Latin-baked goods such as tequeños, croquetas, empanadas, and pastelitos – it is absolutely essential that we offer those in the Miami market! Recently, we also started selling snack-sized organic pizza, which seems to be a hit as well!
BID: Please tell us a little more about your connection with the delicious Thai cuisine you serve at this Grand Avenue location.
FIRAS: In 2013, we began subleasing the store’s kitchen to Asian Thai Kitchen. When it opened in 2014, having a full-functioning restaurant inside a convenience store was a novel concept. It’s been a hit, though! The Miami New Times even selected it once as the city’s best Thai restaurant!
BID: You mentioned the importance of community in running a business. Can you share with us any memorable interactions you’ve had with your neighboring members of the Coconut Grove BID?
FIRAS: Running Grand 7th for nearly 30 years now, we’re so proud of how much our community has grown. It has been wonderful to watch how other long-established businesses including fellow BID businesses like The Last Carrot have evolved within the community while maintaining their individuality.
BID: In conclusion, I’d like to ask you, aside from running your business, what’s your passion?
FIRAS: I enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures, primarily through food! It’s also intriguing to see how retail is set up in other countries! Aside from that, I’m passionate about my family, and I can’t help but gush over my daughter’s accomplishments. For her college application, she wrote an essay about her experience growing up at Grand 7th, which told of the love she has received from the Coconut Grove community over the years. In fact, in 2020, the O Miami Festival “Zip Odes” project showcased three of her works around the Grove, including one ironically placed right in front of the store! I couldn’t be prouder!
Open 24/7, Grand 7th is located at 3135 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove, FL 33133. For information, call 305-445-7533 or visit: https://grand-7th-pharmacy-by-kwit-stop.business.site/