One Bronx bodega used technology and a fresh outlook to keep business booming as business owners across the city were forced to adjust in order to keep their stores afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Yemeni American Merchant’s Association (YAMA) was founded in 2017 and works closely with 7,000 bodegas across the city – and their work with Skyline 1 Fresh Food and Deli helped create a new bodega experience. 

The deli partnered with DoorDash to help boost sales during the peaks of the pandemic when many customers were unable to comfortably leave their homes. 

“DoorDash was really helping us, I'm not going to lie,” said Iahm Alselmy, owners of Skyline 1 Fresh Food and Deli. “A lot of people were just trying to be safe.”

The Belmont-located bodega also began to offer more healthy foods to help keep business strong, even going as far to include a full vegan menu in their options. They plan to return to 24-hour service soon.