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Brookline business owner gives back during pandemic

By George Pelletier - Milford Bureau Chief | Apr 26, 2020

BROOKLINE — The world could use more people like Andy Ozgur.

A native of Turkey, Ozgur own’s Andy’s Pure Foods and Juice, 12 Main St. in Brookline. The store is a vegan lover’s dream, as Ozgur stocks 100% organic products in his uber-healthy, super bright and exceptionally immaculate shop.

He offers bowls, burritos, stir fries – using the freshest of ingredients – cold-pressed juice on demand and a wide selection of house-made smoothies.

During the pandemic, he said he cares less about the business and more about folks who may be struggling.

That’s why Ozgur won’t charge someone who might not have money to pay for a meal. And if you’re getting paid next week, he’ll spot you the money until you’re able to pay him back.

“It’s a little slow,” he said. “But me and my daughter – who is almost 10 years old – we didn’t want to give up. We strongly believe this is what the people need now. Eat better and support your immune system.”

Ozgur has been open for eight months, and he said the community has been incredibly supportive. He’s been promoting his market on Facebook to let people know that someone out there is looking out for them. Now, he said, he wants to give back to the community.

“We’re offering free food if you don’t have money,” he shared. “If you lost your job, you can pay later. If you absolutely cannot come out of your house, if you’re high risk, we’ll bring you some food for free with curbside drop-off.”

Ozgur came to New Hampshire via New York, where he lived and worked for 25 years. He said he wants to help out during this bad situation. Meanwhile, he said his family is safe and healthy.

“My wife and I have three little kids,” he said. “We eat very healthy. None of us are in that high-risk demographic. My mom was with me before this happened, but she’s gone back to Turkey. You never know what’s going to happen and who might get sick. And since we’re OK, we want to be out there helping people.”

There are many regulars at Andy’s who live in the neighborhood and come and buy fresh produce or meals from Ozgur. And while he allows people to come into his spacious store, he said people are respecting others’ personal spaces and accordingly, social distancing. He used to be open more hours each day, but he has cut back – with a purpose.

“The reason I shortened the hours, is because I have so many customers who can’t come out of the house,” he said. “And I’m a small store, I’m not one of the big grocery stores. I don’t have everything they need.”

So, when Ozgur closes at 6 p.m., he goes shopping for the people who aren’t able to help themselves. He himself said he has had no problem getting fresh produce and meats into his small market. Tantamount to health, he trumpets the benefits of turmeric and ginger and gets fresh items each day.

“My supplier is called Baldor Foods, out of Boston,” he said. “They have been here every day. My biggest vendor is for fruit and vegetables, because 90% of what I do is fresh and organic. They try their best.”

Ozgur’s 9 ½ year old daughter Hafsanur, has helped her dad out every day, running the register and doing odd tasks.

“She’s working and saving some money,” he said. “She takes the money and sends it to Turkey, where we are from. My daughter is helping to support a family there who has three girls. Their father passed away and they have no TV, no computer at home.”

At the end of the day, Ozgur said when a health crisis the magnitude of COVID-19 happens, it’s not about the business. It’s about lending a hand to those who need it.

“I don’t care about the business, money-wise right now,” he said. “Now is the time to help. If this thing goes on for three or four more months, everyone is going to be miserable. So, I’m here to help, only to help.”

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This content is being provided for free as a public service to our community during the coronavirus outbreak. Please support local journalism by subscribing to The Telegraph at https://home.nashuatelegraph.com/clickshare/checkDelivery.do;jsessionid=40C089D96583CD7318C1C1D9317B6162.

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