A Q&A with Reziq Attari
When he moved to Wisconsin from Palestine in 1993, Reziq Attari sought to finish his education and provide a better life for his family. Two decades later, Attari owns his own business, one of Milwaukee’s favorite Middle Eastern grocery stores, Attari Supermarket, which opened almost ten years ago. But Attari Supermarket serves more than just delicious Arabic breads and meats to the local community: It works as a bridge between Arab and non-Arab Milwaukeeans alike.
Why did you choose to come to Wisconsin?
To finish my education, and because there are a lot of opportunities here. I need my kids to get good education, and they have family here, too.
What were you studying?
Business administration and accounting.
Was there any reason you chose Wisconsin out of any other place in the United States?
We had a family here.
How long has your family been in Wisconsin?
Some of them since the 1960s, and some 1970s and ‘80s.
How have you found the Muslim and Arab community in Wisconsin?
The community are united, they are cooperative, they are helpful. You know, they are a nice community here, and they do a lot of stuff: They work hard.
What has it been like meeting non-Muslim people in Wisconsin? What have you interactions with them been like?
Of course, I have a good relationship with them, a very good relationship! There is some people, they just came to the store to look around, and some people just looking for trouble. By talking to them nicely and showing them what kind of people we are, and sometimes explain to them the culture, the religion, most of them they understand. I have another customer, a good customer; he comes for his regular shopping here for a long time. Because you know, we are not a violent people, we accept the other. At the same time, we are here together: We like to help the community, that’s what our goal is. We try to be beneficial to the community and at the same time, do good stuff for the Muslim and non-Muslim people.
When you first opened the store ten years ago, what was it like?
I don’t have any problems to be honest with you, I don’t have too many problems. The people you know, most of them, they know. But some people are ignorant, you have to talk to them, approach them. You have to do it nicely, in the right way. You can’t force the people to accept you; it’s their choice. But when you are kind with them and when you are cooperating with them, sometimes help them, because you know sometimes I try to help the people in need here too. If somebody is short, or don’t have enough money, or are hungry, sometimes I help them, because there are some poor people here in the neighborhood. I try my best to make them happy.
For many people in Milwaukee, Attari Mart is their first time tasting Arabic food. What is it like showing a non-Arab person zataar ou zate, or jebneh, or khubz for the first time?
Most of the people, when they start coming here, they look at our stuff as something different. But we explain to them before they buy it what they are buying, how this thing tastes. Sometimes, to be honest with you, if I have a sample, I will give it to them, and they will try it, and they will like it.
Do you hope to stay in your location in Milwaukee for many years to come?
I don’t think so, I’m thinking of expanding, to grow up. But in the meantime, as you can see, the economic situation is tough. So we have to wait, to find the right time.
