Editor's Note: In a past story, Patch had interviewed a former FM One Stop employee claiming to be the owner. This article introduces you to the real owner, Rana Dib.
Rana Dib of Stratford and Farid, her husband of 16 years, emigrated from Syria six years ago. Farid held jobs at Sikorsky and Exxon Chemical to support them and their two children, but late last year the couple decided to go into business for themselves.
Rana took over the lease for TC's One Stop at 447 Monroe Turnpike and renamed the store FM One Stop Monroe LLC.
Farid is the store manager and Rana is handling the bookkeeping and licenses.
"I'm working in the accounting field and got my MBA last year from UNH," Rana said Saturday.
Rana describes FM One Stop as a grocery store where people can stop for things like milk, ice cream, organic eggs and other foods, in addition to lottery tickets, newspapers, cigars and cigarettes.
The store is in the process of getting its license to sell beer, Rana added.
Paul Balonze of Monroe, a family friend with experience from having owned a grocery store, Paul's Market in Fairfield, for 35 years, works at FM One Stop.
"We love him," Rana said.
The store is in a great location and the people in Monroe have been very friendly, Rana said.
She said, "We're looking forward to establishing relationships with our customers."
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