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01:21
By Digital Reporter
Updated: 8:19 AM PST, January 30, 2021
Will Alsaidi ran what used to be a smoke shop in The Bronx, when Lullanda had an idea.
Chips from Egypt, Thailand and beyond, soda from Bulgaria, seemingly infinite choices from so many corners of the globe. That s the appeal of NYC Exotic Snax, a shop that is the brainchild of longtime friends Rafael Lullanda and Will Alsaidi.
The pair, who have been friends for more than 15 years, came up with the idea for the store in late 2019. Alsaidi ran what used to be a smoke shop in The Bronx, when Lullanda had an idea while on vacation in Hollywood. He wandered into a nearby snack shop while his friends strolled down the Walk of Fame.