A new family-run market has opened on Carolina Beach Road, with the goal of providing halal meats, fresh seafood and a wide variety of pantry staples from the Middle East, Asia and Latin America.

The Abdelhamids, the market's owners, are Muslims who for many years have been traveling to Raleigh to purchase halal meats in accordance with Islamic tradition.

Halal is an Arabic word that translates to "permissible," and in terms of food, it means food that is permissible according to Islamic law. Not only are only certain cuts and meats permissible, but there are specific guidelines as to how the animals are raised and slaughtered which also must be followed in order for products to be considered halal.

“We operate as a very traditional halal butcher shop,” said Ashad Abdelhamid, co-owner of CB Seafood and Market. “We bring in the whole animal and break it down here, allowing us to create custom cuts for our customers.”

Abdelhamid said that for years, his extended family has been traveling to Raleigh to purchase halal meats and other Middle Eastern staples that could not be found in Wilmington. He said each family would often spend $500 to $600 each trip and had to freeze many of the products once home in order to use them over the coming weeks.

“Our community here in Wilmington is growing and we saw a need,” Abdelhamid said. “We feel our market will be a huge asset to not only to the Muslim community but to people of all backgrounds. We’re really happy to provide the halal meats right here in town, saving people time and money.”

In addition to the halal meats, the market brings in a wide range of fresh fish daily. There is a small fresh produce section that Abdelhamid said he hopes to grow, as well as fresh bread delivered on Tuesday and Friday.

Walking the aisles, customers will see a wide range of spices, condiments and sauces as well as hundreds of international products from snacks, sweets and beverages to grains, beans and noodles.

The Abdelhamid family is working with importers in cities like Chicago and Atlanta to bring in specialty items from around the world. While about 95% of what the market offers is fresh, they do carry a number of frozen and take-and-bake items for convenience.

“We are happy to already have visitors from all over Wilmington as well as from Rocky Point and Jacksonville,” Abdelhamid said. “And so many people are thanking us for helping them have easier access to some of their favorite foods.”

Abdelhamid said the market will be gathering feedback from customers and making adjustments based on what people are asking for. They have also applied to be an authorized EBT retailer.

“There are some within the community that have never had the means to drive two hours one way for these products,” Abdelhamid said. “We want to make sure everyone who wants them has access to them and that they are affordable.”

CB Seafood and Market is located at 2069 Carolina Beach Road and is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

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