While the storefront of Marché Shahran might be a fresh addition to the streetscape, having opened its doors only a few months ago, the soul of this international supermarket is anything but new. For the residents of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, the faces behind the counter are as familiar as the heritage homes lining the avenues.

A legacy reimagined

Bardia Ajabi is a 27-year-old dynamo who essentially runs the daily operations of the market. While Bardia is a recent Economics graduate from Concordia University, his true education happened in the aisles of his father's previous ventures. His father, Nasser Ajabi, a staple in the Montreal Persian community, has been navigating the grocery industry since the mid-1980s.

"My dad is well known within the area. He moved here when he was 18."

After a business stint on Saint-Jacques Street, the family felt the pull back to the heart of the community. "Sherbrooke is a more accessible street, especially for those who prefer to walk. He thought it was a good idea to come back," says Bardia.

The return has been nothing short of a homecoming. The marché, which specializes in Persian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean goods, has seen a steady stream of regulars who remember Bardia's father from his 20-year tenure at their previous family-run location, Akhavan.

"Every day, somebody comes by and tells me how happy they are that we came back." — Bardia Ajabi

Service with a personal touch

While the name on the sign has changed to Marché Shahran, the commitment to "old school" service remains the engine that drives the business. In an era of self-checkouts and automated help, Shahran doubles down on human connection. There is an entire section dedicated to nuts, olives, and pastries where a staff member serves you directly.

"My dad specializes in the service. People prefer that — they like to communicate face-to-face with somebody else."

From specialty hummuses to regional spices you'd be hard-pressed to find in a big-box store, the market caters to a diverse palate. Then there is the restaurant tucked inside, serving up freshly made sandwiches and kebab koobideh that have already gained a cult following. The bread is delivered daily, and the pastries are as fresh as they come.

Looking toward a sunny future

Bardia has big plans for the warmer months, too — he's currently looking into permits for a summer terrace. "I know a lot of people, especially during the summer on Sherbrooke Street, just want to grab food and have somewhere to sit outside," he says.

Ultimately, the decision to plant roots on Sherbrooke Street wasn't just a business move; it was a tribute to the neighbourhood.

"My father really wanted to stay here because he knows that if there is one community that really supports its local businesses, it really is NDG." — Bardia Ajabi

In a world that's constantly modernizing, Marché Shahran feels like a beautifully maintained classic — reliable, full of character, and exactly where it belongs.