A NEWLY opened international supermarket has celebrated a significant achievement - and said it could open an even bigger store.

Usman and Tariq Khan are the brothers behind Makkah Foods, a large supermarket on Ashley Road, Poole.

The brothers also own a smaller Makkah Foods store in Winton.

The supermarket had its grand opening on May 25 and boasts a selection of fresh fruit, veg, and halal meat among other delicacies.

Speaking about the success of the supermarket, Usman said: “Business is going well.

“It is anticipated, although we are surprisingly overwhelmed by the feedback and the support from the local community.

"That definitely took us by surprise in terms of how much the community and the local customers are supporting us and enjoying the store.

"Future plans are already there. We're already looking at replicating the business in other areas, and expansion plans are in progress with them already.

“So hopefully soon we should see more Makkahs of the same size, if not bigger, coming up.

Speaking about the FSA rating, Usman added: “We are happy we got it and happy that we're working along BCP to have all our stores with a five-star rating.

“Although with the investment and the systems that we put into place in this store, we were quite confident that we were going to get it anyway, only because we went over and beyond on every part of it.

“But that is good to know that the BCP recognizes it and has awarded us five stars, and we hope to maintain it and keep it that way in the stores and all our stores in the future.”

The premises were awarded a five-star food hygiene rating on July 12.

The high number reflected on the hygienic food handling, cleanliness of the facilities and building, and the management of food safety, all being rated good.

Its sister store in Winton was also rated five stars when it was last inspected on July 4 earlier this year with the rating being ‘very good’.

The store also recently unveiled its deli counter serving traditional cakes and sandwiches along with a ready-to-eat meat counter.