Cordova is about to get a serious hit of West African flavor. Monmu & Monje Mart, the Memphis pop-up known for charcoal-grilled suya, jollof bowls, and bright hibiscus teas, is moving into a brick-and-mortar West African market in Cordova. The shop is slated to open June 23 and will stock pantry staples alongside prepared, grab-and-go plates.
According to the Memphis Business Journal, the new market will carry the Monmu & Monje Mart name and marks the latest step for owners who built their brand through farmers' markets and catering gigs. The outlet reports that the Cordova spot is designed to blend grocery shelves with ready-to-eat options so shoppers can grab ingredients and dinner in one stop.
Local permits and leasing paperwork put the address at 1890 Berryhill Road, Suite 109, in Cordova and list the space at about 1,400 square feet, per WhatNow. Those filings include a certificate of occupancy application with the Memphis and Shelby County planning office, a paper trail that signals the buildout is moving ahead.
From farmers markets to a storefront
The move comes after steadily growing demand at area markets, where customers kept asking for a permanent spot to buy West African ingredients and quick meals, the owners told the Memphis Business Journal. Monmu & Monje built its following with pop-ups, catering, and regular appearances at Memphis farmers' markets before deciding it was time to lock in a full retail home.
What to expect inside
The brand’s own menu highlights charcoal-grilled suya, jollof bowls, puff-puff, and its signature hibiscus and butterfly-pea teas, offerings the owners plan to translate into a retail setup. According to Monmu & Monje, the Cordova shop will combine pantry staples like palm oil and spices with ready-made choices for anyone chasing West African flavors without a long ingredient hunt.
When to go
The market is scheduled to open on June 23, with county filings indicating that buildout and permitting are already in motion, per WhatNow. The owners are expected to share specific hours and any grand-opening plans on their website and social channels as opening day gets closer.
