Sameh and Abrahem Malkieh, owners of the new U.S. Jerusalem Imports and Farmers Market (photo by Susan Weber)
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After working for an import grocer on Cleveland’s West Side for 12 years, Abrahem Malkieh decided to open an international market in the eastern suburbs with his brother, Sameh. “Customers driving over from the East Side kept asking, ‘Why don’t you have a store like this closer to us?" Abrahem Malkieh explains. “Now they have their wish!”

Since opening in August, U.S. Jerusalem Imports and Farmers Market has offered products from all over the world. Located in University Corners Plaza at the intersection of Cedar and Taylor roads in University Heights, the store’s broad selection is still growing.

“We specialize in Mediterranean, Indian and Pakistani foods and plan to expand our Russian, West Indies and African items. For example, Senegalese customers have asked for special herbs, spices and drinks from their culture,” says Abrahem Malkieh, who orders all items for the store. “My brother and I welcome customer input, such as a recent request for kosher products. Our customers are our number-one priority.”

“I love it,” says Nouhad Nemer of South Euclid, shopping with Latify Shibley, a Cleveland Heights resident for 63 years. “We used to go to the West Side, but they have everything we need here. The vegetables are very reasonably priced. The meat is fresh and tender. They have good Lebanese coffee and the pita is always fresh. They are nice, happy people and we’re happy with them.”

David Lott, of Cleveland Heights, says it’s his first visit to the store. “This is truly international,” he says. “I’ve found Latin seasoning, Mediterranean foods and the Thai spices I like. They’ve got me covered all the way around. I’m thrilled.”  

Sameh Malkieh, co-owner and chief cashier, frequently dashes back to the deli counter to fill a customer request for fresh humus, falafel balls or baba ganoush. He answers questions about the international cuisine. “Imjadara is a delicious veggie lunch of rice, grilled onions, lentils and spices,” he tells a curious shopper.

Cleveland Heights resident Pauline Benjamin appreciates being able to shop and check out so quickly. “This store is a working woman’s friend,” she says.  

The store features a full dairy case, hot rotisserie chicken and a variety of nuts, olives, grains and spices. “Our customers buy everyday supplies as well as baklavah, meat or spinach pies and fresh sandwiches made to order," Sameh Malkieh says. "We are happy to prepare beautiful party trays from our deli.”

Fresh lamb, goat and oxtails are very popular,” adds his brother Abrahem, also the store’s butcher. All meat is Halal approved, which refers to merciful Islamic slaughtering practices.

The owners, of Palestinian descent, chose their present location because of the area’s ethnically diverse residents. Pleased with the way word of mouth is helping to build a loyal customer base, Abrahem Malkieh says, “We like to see people of different cultures feel comfortable and connect to each other here. See, this is how the world should be!”

U.S. Jerusalem Imports and Farmers Market is located at 2187 South Taylor Road, University Heights. Store hours are Monday-Saturday 9 a.m to 9 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information or to place a delivery order, call 216-321-1082.

Susan Weber is an award winning singer-songwriter living in Cleveland Heights, where she and her husband raised their two sons.