Ticana African Supermarket: A Growing Hub for African Cuisine in Regent Park

By Tyrone MacLean-Wilson
Tyrone is a community journalist with FOCUS MEDIA ARTS CENTRE

In a city as diverse as Toronto, food plays a crucial role in connecting cultures and building community. Ticana African Supermarket has emerged as an essential hub for those seeking authentic African ingredients, catering to a growing customer base eager to explore the rich and varied cuisines of the continent.

In an interview with the store’s owner, Teresa, she shared insights into the supermarket’s evolution, challenges, and its place within the revitalized Regent Park community. Ticana African Supermarket has been in operation for four to five years, initially specializing in Congolese food products. However, as demand grew and word spread, the store expanded its offerings to include items from other African countries, such as Nigeria, Rwanda, and Burundi. This diversification has allowed Ticana to attract a wider range of customers, from members of the African diaspora looking for a taste of home to those new to African cuisine and eager to experiment with different flavors.

Social Media's Influence on Culinary Curiosity

One surprising factor behind the store’s increasing popularity has been the influence of social media—particularly TikTok. Teresa noted that customers often arrive with shopping lists inspired by viral food videos featuring African dishes. "People see recipes on TikTok and come in asking for ingredients they’ve never tried before," she explained. This surge in interest highlights the power of digital platforms in shaping food trends and broadening culinary horizons. As African cuisine gains mainstream recognition, stores like Ticana are playing a vital role in making these ingredients accessible to a wider audience.

Beyond individual shoppers, Teresa has also observed an increase in restaurants and small catering businesses sourcing their ingredients from Ticana. This suggests a broader culinary movement where African flavours are finding their way onto more menus across the city.

Building a Business in a Changing Neighborhood

Running an independent grocery store comes with its challenges, and Teresa candidly shared some of the hurdles she faced in establishing a loyal customer base. However, she credits the ongoing revitalization of Regent Park with creating new opportunities for small businesses like hers. The neighbourhood’s transformation has led to an influx of diverse residents, increasing foot traffic and drawing in customers from different cultural backgrounds.

“Before, a lot of people in the area didn’t know much about African food,” Teresa said. “Now, with more people moving in and more interest in different cuisines, we see customers from all backgrounds coming in to try something new.”

The redevelopment of Regent Park has not only provided a boost for businesses but has also contributed to a safer and more vibrant community. Teresa noted that the neighbourhood’s improved infrastructure and public spaces had created a more welcoming environment for residents and shop owners alike. “It’s nice to see the changes happening here. It feels like a better place to run a business than when we first started.”

Future Community Engagement

Despite the store’s success, Teresa acknowledged that Ticana African Supermarket has yet to fully engage in community events or outreach initiatives. However, she expressed a strong interest in becoming more involved in the future. Whether through food festivals, cultural celebrations, or cooking demonstrations, she sees opportunities to further integrate Ticana into the local community.

“I would love to do more to connect with people, maybe through events where we can introduce African food to more people,” she said. “It’s something we’re thinking about for the future.”

A Culinary Bridge Between Cultures

Ticana African Supermarket stands as more than just a grocery store—it’s a bridge between cultures, providing access to flavours that connect people to their heritage while also introducing new audiences to African cuisine. As the store continues to grow, it reflects the evolving landscape of Regent Park, where revitalization is not just about infrastructure but also about fostering a dynamic and inclusive community.

With increasing interest in global flavours and the power of social media driving culinary curiosity, the future looks promising for businesses like Ticana. As Teresa looks ahead, her focus remains on expanding the store’s reach, strengthening community ties, and continuing to provide an authentic taste of Africa to all who walk through her doors.