At the JJ Food Mart on Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard, working the graveyard shift is anything but mundane for 39-year-old Junior. Alongside his responsibilities at the neighborhood grocery, he embraces his side-hustle as a stand-up comedian, finding inspiration in the late-night antics that unfold around him.
“Content is key,” Junior proclaims, chuckling at the absurdities that often accompany his shifts. Though he isn’t armed like a typical convenience store clerk, he wields a semiautomatic rifle, affectionately dubbed “The Stick,” ready for any trouble while simultaneously documenting the unique store experiences on social media.
Having grown up in a community often referred to as The Bluff and occasionally English Avenue, Junior has adapted to the area’s realities. Gunshots and violence have become part of his background soundtrack, with the Atlanta Police Department’s crime-mapping tool recording 20 homicides in English Avenue since 2020—none of which occurred within the store’s walls.
Unlike larger establishments that close their doors earlier in the evening, JJ Food Mart remains open 24 hours a day. This policy serves both the local nightlife and the store’s owner, Sam Desai, who believes that a store that never locks its doors deters burglary.
Junior notes that while theft is a given in this line of work, the staff has learned to adapt by securing high-value items, particularly small ones that are easy to pocket. Customers seeking a bottle of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky must first pay, receiving their purchase through a strategically placed hole in the glass.
Desai has owned the store for a decade and takes pride in the relationships he has built with his customers. His philosophy is simple: “They support me; I support them.” Regulars can often be found lingering outside, playing cards or enjoying each other’s company. The community atmosphere offers a sense of belonging, with many patrons viewing JJ Food Mart as an extension of their family.
Amidst the night’s stillness, Junior reflects on the camaraderie found at the store. He fondly recalls how a man without a home was once a fixture in their surroundings; when he passed away, Desai covered the funeral costs as a final gesture of kindness. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing gentrification affecting the area, which sees vibrant new developments juxtaposed with dilapidated homes, Junior asserts, “I like when it’s quiet, except when I’m looking for content.”
In his less busy moments, Junior anticipates the kind of unpredictable scenarios that often lend themselves to his comedic repertoire. Some of these moments have included amusing customer interactions, like the man who cooked a raw steak in the store’s microwave, or the unexpected fights that have erupted among patrons, all of which he captures on video for his Instagram followers.
While some shoppers experience moments of tension, most patrons interact amicably. Customers exchange lighthearted banter and memorable songs inside the store. Junior recognizes familiar faces and realizes he has created a small circle of camaraderie amidst the randomness of the night.
Surveillance footage from a previous robbery attempt captured two young men entering the store with guns drawn. These would-be thieves, caught off guard by Junior’s composure and readiness, fled empty-handed after he retrieved “The Stick.” With a smirk, he posted the ordeal on social media, using humor to deflate the severity of the situation.
As dawn approaches and Junior’s shift comes to a close, he contemplates the busy life he leads. Balancing various commitments, he also works as an elevator attendant downtown and occasionally performs stand-up gigs. While managing approximately 70 hours a week at the store leaves little time for sleep, Junior claims to function on just three to four hours each night.
Exhaustion may loom, but for Junior, serving the community is rewarding. The people at JJ Food Mart keep him energized and engaged, drawing him back into the store after his day is done. As he heads home late on a Thursday morning, he expresses affection for his family over the phone, remarking, “I love y’all” before stepping back into the sunlit outside.
Behind the scenes at JJ Food Mart, the fluorescent lights continue to glow, and the shelves remain stocked with everything from snacks to essentials. No matter the time of day, Junior knows he’ll return to face whatever the night brings, ready to offer a friendly fist-bump, ready to entertain, and ready to turn the challenges of life into laughter for himself and his community.
image source from：ajc
