Worldwide International Food Market Puts Expansion Plans on Hold for Now

Worldwide International Food Market has halted its plan to add a restaurant to its current Hazelwood operation.

Ayah Sumren, the daughter of owner Naser Sumren and an employee of the store, said that the plan to open a restaurant inside of the market is on hold currently.

Sumren said that a number of things have stopped the plans but mainly the financing for the project is not where it was expected to be.

The store approached Hazelwood City Council about permitting to allow for a six-month land use permit for the construction of a restaurant. The council approved the request at the end of January.

With construction and planning halted on the restaurant, Sumren said that the store has been in discussion to possibly open a bakery in the store, which would be located behind the now proposed restaurant.

She said that the store works with a local baker to provide fresh, natural bread for the store, and it has continued to sell out. The store would provide space for the baker to bake and sell the bread and other goods to customers.

Although the store has paused its space expansion, Worldwide International Food has continued to grow its products. Sumren said that in recent months, the store has added products from Korea, Pakistan and Nigeria.

She said the expanded product list will hopefully help to pick up business.