Walk into Dizz Foods in Northfleet and the first impression is not simply one of choice, but of variety. The store brings together foods, flavours and ingredients from across the world, reflecting the remarkably diverse community it serves.
At the heart of it is Tony Okoruwe, whose family journey in convenience began with his mother, Dorothy N Okoruwe. She opened the family's first shop in Dagenham in 2006, with Tony joining the business in 2009. That same year, following his mother's death, Tony took over the business.
In 2012, Tony took another major step, acquiring the Northfleet site that would become Dizz Foods. Since then, he has developed it into a broad World Food proposition, with support from Wanis Foods, which has become a regular presence at the store.
The result is a fascinating mix of cultures and cuisines. The shelves span Eastern European, South American, Japanese, Afro-Caribbean, Turkish and Thai foods, alongside products from many other parts of the world.
Rather than positioning World Food as a specialist corner of the store, Tony has embraced its breadth, creating a destination where different communities can find familiar products while shoppers can also discover something new.
That diversity mirrors the character of Northfleet itself. Dizz Foods has become much more than a place to pick up groceries; Tony sees the store as part of the fabric of the local community.
A large meeting room within the business is available free of charge to local community groups, giving people a space to meet and organise. Plans to add a kitchen and café will extend that community role further, creating additional space for people to come together.
There is an evident personal dimension to Tony's approach, too. His enthusiasm for the business is matched by the pride he takes in its family roots and the legacy of his mother.
From a single shop started by Dorothy in Dagenham to a culturally diverse World Food store in Northfleet, Dizz Foods has evolved without losing the family story at its centre.
Tony's retail journey is ultimately one of family, food and community – with a store that reflects all three.