Rock Hill’s Surefire Neighborhood Market to Rebuild and Revitalize After Devastating Fire

Rock Hill’s Surefire Neighborhood Market Rises from the Ashes

Rock Hill is buzzing with optimism after a local food market, Surefire Neighborhood Market, recently faced a significant setback due to a fire. Although the flames caused more than $100,000 in damage, the co-owner, Magloire Lubika, sees this as a golden opportunity to revitalize the store and better serve the community.

A Brief History of Surefire

Surefire Neighborhood Market, a family-owned convenient store, began its journey back in 2001 as Jeman Express in Charlotte. After a decade, it expanded to Rock Hill, opening as Mama Yala in 2012. Last year, Mama Yala was given a fresh new look and rebranded as Surefire, reflecting a modern vibe better suited for its location in Sunset Park, a neighborhood with a rich cultural tapestry and predominantly Black community.

The Fire That Sparked Change

The unfortunate fire erupted in the kitchen shortly after the staff departed on July 14. The flames not only shut down operations temporarily but left a significant gap in food access for local residents. “It was heartbreaking for us and our community,” Lubika shared. “Before the fire, we were experiencing tremendous growth, meeting the needs of a neighborhood that hadn’t had many food options for years.”

Rebuilding with a Purpose

While the market is expected to remain closed for about six to eight months, Lubika is focused on the reconstruction project that will transform Surefire into something even more beneficial for the community. The plans include a complete interior and exterior rebuild, enhanced access with floor-to-ceiling windows, a food delivery service, and even the addition of a second food truck.

In the meantime, Lubika and his team are not leaving the community high and dry. They plan to relocate the market’s mobile food truck, currently stationed at a nearby brewery, to Sunset Park next month. “We want to keep providing food access and be an anchor in the community,” he affirmed.

Community Support at Its Best

Surefire is also collaborating with Habitat for Humanity of York County to help with the remodel. The business has seen an outpouring of support from locals, and donations for the rebuilding process are very much welcomed. “No one wants to give up. We’re fueled by our community,” said Lubika, expressing gratitude for the help they’ve received during this tough time.

A Legacy of Service

In 2021, Lubika and his two younger brothers took over the store from their parents, who had been in the convenience store industry for over two decades. “Growing up in this business really taught me how much places like ours mean to underserved communities,” he remarked. “Taking Surefire forward is like carrying the torch of the second generation of retail.”

A Bright Future Ahead

There’s a silver lining to this challenging period. Lubika recently participated as a judge in the Score Charlotte’s Pitch for Growth competition and, to his delight, Surefire won $5,000 to enhance their food delivery service, a step that pushes the brand into a promising new direction.

“There’s a lesson in all of this,” Lubika said. “If we had given up after the fire, we would never have seen the other side of it. You have to stay consistent, endure the ups and downs, and believe in your vision.”

As Rock Hill residents rally around Surefire, it’s clear that this community-focused store is not just rebuilding physical structure but also laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient future—ready to serve the neighborhood it loves.