Exotic snacks shop opens in Broadview Heights

by Dan Holland

For Khaled Harmouche, opening and managing an exotic snacks store is the beginning of building a relationship with local residents while serving a niche market. Super Genie Convenience, located at 7976 Broadview Rd., across from the Broadview Village Shopping Center, opened Feb. 18.

“We’re right on a main road with great visibility,” said Harmouche, who grew up in Broadview Heights. “There’s a gym [Strong Style MMA & Training Center] opening up across the street shortly. So, a lot of people will be coming here for hydration, power drinks, snacks, protein bars and other items. It’s a great location central to Broadview Heights, Brecksville, Parma, Seven Hills and North Royalton.”

The shop features a range of exotic snacks, drinks, tobacco and vaping products, regular grocery, Delta-8 THC products, and lottery gaming. A large number of featured items are imported from the Middle East and Far East regions.

The variety of imported products kept on hand allow customers to try a number of different snacks and drinks that may otherwise be cost-prohibitive if purchased online, said Harmouche. “A lot of people like to try new things,” he explained. “People will tell us they order things online, but it’s so expensive. We get wholesale prices here, and I don’t mark up or overcharge like some people in other states do who run exotic snack shops. We try keep the prices as low as possible.”

The business prides itself on its wide variety of items and personalized service provided by Harmouche and the store’s three employees.

“Everyone who works in the store provides very good customer service,” said Harmouche. “I always offer my recommendations to customers on snacks; I don’t want someone to buy something and not like it. When someone walks into the store, it’s constant dialogue and making recommendations – there’s never a dull moment. We really want people to like the store and want to come back again and develop a relationship with the customers.”

The shop is unique to the area, according to Harmouche.

“That’s the reason why I opened it; if you have a niche, then you stand out among the crowd,” he explained. “If I opened this up and sold regular snacks like everyone else, I would have a lot less business. If you stand out in the crowd with the right business and products, people will come in.”

The store considers itself to be family-friendly, offering a variety of products that appeal to both children and adults.

“It’s a family-friendly vibe,” said Harmouche. “I love when families come in with their kids and they run around saying, ‘I want this or that.’ Sometimes, I’ll give them an extra discount, and people love the prices and the wide variety of items. Just the experience of interacting with customers in the store is what I like most about it.”

The immediate goal for Harmouche is to grow the business and get to know residents better.  

“Come on down; we have a great selection of exotic snacks and drinks, and my employees and I are here to help you out in any way that we can.” ∞