Samir Supermarket - A Story of Success and Community

In 2005, a small grocery store named Samir Supermarket opened its doors in Hamilton, Ontario, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. Founded by Mirways Babakarkhail, an Afghan national with a vision and determination, Samir Supermarket has grown from humble beginnings to become a beloved fixture in the local community.

Mirways Babakarkhail's path to entrepreneurship was unconventional. A native of Afghanistan, he spent time living in Pakistan before making the life-changing decision to migrate to Canada in 2001. His visits to friends in Hamilton, particularly those who worked in Jackson Square mall, ignited his entrepreneurial spirit and planted the seeds for what would later become Samir Supermarket.

In September 2005, Babakarkhail took a bold step and opened the first Samir Supermarket—a modest 1,000-square-foot grocery store in the city's core. Named after his son, the store offered a range of traditional Asian groceries, catering to the diverse culinary needs of the community.

The success of the initial venture prompted Babakarkhail to expand, relocating the store to its current location in Stoney Creek. As the demand for Samir Supermarket's offerings grew, Babakarkhail seized the opportunity to open additional locations, including one on the Mountain and another in Burlington, Ontario.

In a recent milestone, Babakarkhail celebrated the opening of the fourth Samir Supermarket, this time in downtown Hamilton. Recognizing the need to serve the downtown community, especially newcomers without access to transportation, the new 15,000-square-foot location at 20 George St. offers convenience and accessibility.

Embodying the spirit of its origins, the downtown store features a halal butcher and offers custom cuts of meat, along with a selection of authentic imported rice and other Samir-branded items. Mohammad Asghar joined Babakarkhail as a co-owner, contributing to the expansion and success of the business.

Beyond business, Babakarkhail and Asghar are committed to supporting newcomers to Canada, offering employment opportunities and encouragement to pursue their dreams. They prioritize hiring newcomers and emphasize the importance of learning English, obtaining education, and working hard to achieve personal and professional success.

Looking ahead, Babakarkhail envisions further expansion, with plans to open stores in cities across the province, including Guelph, London, Kitchener, Waterloo, St. Catharines, Brantford, and Milton. For Babakarkhail and Asghar, the goal is not just about financial gain but about creating opportunities and making it easier for people from other cities to access quality groceries and services.

Samir Supermarket's journey is a testament to the power of vision, hard work, and community spirit. From its modest beginnings to its ambitious plans for the future, Samir Supermarket continues to be a beacon of success and inclusivity in the Hamilton community.