Located in the heart of Albany, N.Y., and named for the common online search phrase, Food Near Me opened in 2021 with the goal of “making the store more of an experience.”

A big part of that is the style of food the 2,200-square-foot store serves. Among the most popular items are Rasta Pasta, the Chopped Cheeseburger and a variety of other Caribbean-inspired dishes, vegan tacos and soul food. “Many folks in Albany are vegans or vegetarians,” says co-owner Kevin Skeen. But he also sells a large volume of Boar’s Head meats, Italian ice and ice cream. The store menu includes a daily focus to build a habitual following. These include Caribbean Monday, Wings Wednesday, Soul Food Thursday, Fish Fry Friday and All-Day Breakfast Saturday.

Food Near Me also lives up to its name by partnering with local residents and businesses to sell their products and expand outreach. Partnerships have resulted in the store selling products from more than 10 local businesses. Local products rotated in and out have included cupcakes, shortcakes, sunglasses, sea moss, clothing/apparel, and facial creams and oils.