Behind stacks of pickle jars and an assortment of cheeses, chatter and laughter can be heard over a hearty meal and tea. Inside Cozmo One, customers are exposed not just to groceries, but a vibrant community that is receptive to all. 

Opened in 2021 by a Jordanian-Syrain refugee family, Cozmo One, located in Sullyfield Circle, has quickly grown in its popularity amongst the community. Providing a variety of Middle Eastern and Persian goods, the store became a cultural melting pot for the communities. 

“I go to Cozmo all the time with my parents,” junior Beri M-Raoof said. “We know the owner there and the staff; they’re very hospitable people. Sometimes it gets really crowded, but it feels like home so I don’t mind it.” 

The crowd at Cozmo One isn’t only attracted to the niche selection of grocery items; rather, Cozmo’s mini restaurant in the back is what brings the crowd. The mini restaurant specializes in authentic fusion of Middle Eastern cuisine. The selection of food ranges from Turkish kabobs made over a fire grill platter to Lebanese shawarma, a chicken wrap. 

“When we started the store it was a small startup, just a small family business,” Comzo store manager Odie Oda said. “We wanted to make it feel like home and share our food with others. So people could come in, get an afternoon tea and sweets and feel like home.”

Besides hefty meals, Cozmo also has an authentic Middle Eastern bakery serving a variety of sweet treats. The halka tatlisi, described as a turkish churro dipped in syrup, is among the popular picks, alongside baklava, a phyllo sheet dessert layered with pistachio and syrup. 

“I personally enjoy their cheesecakes when I go shopping there,” junior Mahnoor Sheraz said. “For special occasions though, like Eid, my mom gets baklava and the other Turkish desserts they have available there.”

Throughout the year, Cozmo also engages in active community service. During Ramadan and other holidays, Cozmo helps prepare food for refugee families, domestic violence survivors and single mothers.

“We’re located near a mosque, and usually many people from the mosque come and buy from us,” Oda said. “We believe in giving back to the community that gives to us and welcomes us.” 

Now, five years after its opening, Cozmo has built up a returning customer base that comes, not only for groceries, but also for the sense of home. Cozmo is planning to continue building its community throughout Northern Virginia. 

“We have a lot of customers coming in throughout the day, so it can get really crowded with people eating and buying groceries,” said Oda. “So we are planning on opening another store in Vienna.”