Couple Launches New Grocery Delivery Service to Support Black-Owned Businesses in Atlanta

During the pandemic, Rhandi and Jonathan Altidor saw an unmet need in the food delivery market — the absence of Black-owned grocers. Their solution? Launching The Better Buggy, a grocery delivery service aimed at connecting consumers with Black-owned farms and food suppliers in their Atlanta community.

“I was frustrated that we couldn’t support Black-owned stores through major delivery platforms, which often overlook smaller, Black-owned businesses,” Rhandi explained. “We’ve always been advocates of ‘buying Black’ whenever possible. So, we thought, why not create a service that fills this void and empowers local Black-owned businesses?”

Both Rhandi, a middle school teacher, and Jonathan, a school counselor in Fulton County Schools, turned their downtime into an opportunity to build their business. While juggling married life and parenthood, they set out to fill a gap in the grocery delivery market. With the help of their family and local community, The Better Buggy has gained traction, offering same-day delivery for fresh produce, everyday essentials, and specialty items such as vegan, organic, and gluten-free options.

Their business launch comes at a time when Black-owned businesses across the country have been hit hard by the pandemic. According to a recent study from the Federal Reserve Bank, 41% of Black-owned businesses closed between February and April 2020, compared to just 17% of white-owned businesses during the same period. The Altidors have credited their success to strong community support and the clear demand for a service like theirs.

“Starting a business in the middle of the pandemic was chaotic,” Jonathan admitted. “Even though we were at home, there was so much to do, while also keeping COVID-19 safety measures in mind. But the need for grocery delivery was undeniable, and that helped us scale quickly.”

The couple, both Georgia natives, has been able to expand their customer base and bring new opportunities to their vendor partners.

One of their suppliers, Khadijah of Kay’s Kookies & Habeeb’s Gourmet Sauces, shared her excitement: “Working with The Better Buggy has been a great experience. Orders for my products have increased, and they’ve been so supportive in helping me reach more customers.”

For the Altidors, the mission behind The Better Buggy is more than just building a family legacy. It’s about using their platform to uplift often-overlooked Black-owned businesses and giving their community access to fresh, locally sourced food from entrepreneurs who share their experiences.

Atlanta has faced significant challenges in terms of food accessibility. A 2017 study found that 36% of the city was classified as a food desert, meaning many residents had to travel more than a half-mile to access fresh fruits and vegetables.

“It’s difficult for local Black-owned products to get onto shelves in larger stores. Our service is helping these farmers and vendors get the exposure they need, especially after COVID-19 disrupted their ability to sell locally,” Rhandi noted.

Drawing attention to local Black businesses, The Better Buggy is giving them the recognition they deserve. “It’s important to use our platform to empower and amplify the voices of these businesses that have been around for years but haven’t received the spotlight,” she said.

The couple’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Family, friends, coworkers, and even students have rallied behind the business, helping with deliveries and spreading the word. Jonathan expressed gratitude for the support, especially from allies who have been vocal in their support of Black Lives Matter and racial equality.

“As a Black man, I was initially apprehensive about doing deliveries, but seeing signs of solidarity — like ‘Black Lives Matter’ and the Black fist — has made me feel more comfortable and supported,” he said.

Currently, The Better Buggy partners with two major grocery stores, several Black-owned farms, and local businesses like Cayce Foods, Nature’s Own Herb Shop, and Sevanada. The company is always looking to expand its list of vendors and plans to soon offer weekday delivery.

The Altidors hope to continue building momentum in Atlanta and expand their service nationwide. “Franchising is definitely on the horizon,” Jonathan shared. “Atlanta is our base, but people from across the country are asking when we’re coming to their state. We want everyone to have access to The Better Buggy, and once we’ve solidified our foundation here, we plan to grow quickly.”

We look forward to seeing how The Better Buggy grows and expands. To learn more about this innovative service https://www.givingbroadly.com/the-better-buggy/