Aurelia Turentine has turned Grammy’s Mini Mart, nestled in the heart of Indianapolis’ northeast side, into more than just a convenience store — it’s a lifeline in a community grappling with limited food options.
Located in a federally recognized food desert, Grammy’s Mini Mart serves as a vital resource for neighbors who might otherwise struggle to access fresh, affordable groceries. Turentine, who co-owns the store with her husband, said their mission is about more than business — it’s about giving back to a community they deeply care about, offering healthy options and a welcoming space in an area often overlooked by larger retailers.
“I just kind of observed the neighborhood and the only thing that’s there is a gas station down the street,” Turentine said. “Kroger is about 15 or 16 miles south, and Safeway is about the same north. So, I spoke with my husband, and I said, ‘You know what, I want to turn this into a market.’”
Turentine took over the market in June from the previous owner who retired. She said the market has been around for many years, just in different forms and with different names.
“I know I’m 47, and I know it’s been there well past 47 years,” Turentine said. “I myself went there to get my lottery because I was born and raised in the neighborhood. I’m very familiar with the area.”
Turentine went with ‘Grammy’s’ because that’s exactly what she is. A grandmother of ten, she was also drawn to the name because of her own grandmother, who raised her and was a staple in her own community.
Grammy’s Mini Mart sells household items, snacks, drinks and basics like milk, bread and lunchmeat. Turentine saw that a lot of residents in the area used public transportation or didn’t have the means to go that far for the store, so she became inspired.
“I’m trying to just serve the community with what they need,” Turentine said.
Aside from the traditional grocery items, Turentine wants to expand Grammy’s to be more than just a provider of food — she wants it to embody the community.
“I’m really trying to make it a small market during the summertime,” Turentine said. “In the summer we had a little small farmers market with produce and fresh vegetables and fruits.”
In addition to expanding the business, Turentine wants customers to feel comfortable at Grammy’s.
“Come get to know me, and I’m going to get to know you,” Turentine said. “It’s a safe haven and, not only that, but it’s a welcoming place.”
Turentine is learning the needs and the people in the community every day, she said, but the people are really what keeps her going.
“Seeing the kids come in there that have never seen wat a penny candy store looks like makes me want to keep going,” Turentine said. “It’s really our day-to-day customers that come in there and are thankful.”
Being new to the business world can be challenging, however.
“Trying to make sure the ordering is balanced and making sure things don’t expire is all new for us,” Turentine said. “We haven’t really got that down yet, but we’re working on it.”
Despite the business being a learning curve, Turentine wants everyone to know how much love she has put into Grammy’s and what she is trying to build within the community.
“If you can remember being a child and going to your local neighborhood store and feeling at home as soon as you walk through the door, that’s what we offer,” Turentine said. “We are as friendly; we are as loving. We love the neighborhood.”
Grammy’s Mini Mart accepts SNAP and EBT and is at 3353 Central Ave. Grammy’s is open Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
