Life Africa Foods Opened in Peoria Metro Centre

New grocery store brings specialized African staples to the community.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Life Africa Foods Opened in Peoria Metro Centre

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Entrepreneur Rodrick Mbokelonga has launched Life Africa Foods, a new grocery store located in Peoria's Metro Centre. The shop specializes in products serving the local African community.

Why it matters

The business was established to address a local void in access to specific cultural food products. It represents a new entry in the regional retail market aimed at meeting unique consumer demands.

The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., with Sunday hours running from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The players

Rodrick Mbokelonga

He is the entrepreneur and owner who launched Life Africa Foods as his first business.

The details

Rodrick Mbokelonga opened the storefront as his first business venture. The store stocks a variety of items including palm oil, pork feet, pounded yam, white semolina, snacks, and seasonings.

The store recently opened for business in October 2026.

Market Landscape

The opening follows a pattern where entrepreneurs establish niche markets to serve specific demographic needs in suburban commercial hubs. This entry positions the business to capture demand that was previously unmet by larger regional retailers.

Local shoppers gain immediate access to specialized African ingredients such as plantain leaves and palm oil. Future plans include the addition of a community cooking space at the back of the store.

The takeaway

The store represents a strategic effort to serve a specific demographic by diversifying local food options in Peoria. Customers can expect expanded inventory from countries like Congo, Ghana, and Nigeria in the near future.