JOEL

rom the West Side of Charlotte, where our migrant parents built their legacy through their first convenience store, Jeman Express, to Rock Hill and their second store, Mama Yala, we learned that food is the heartbeat of a community. As three brothers, we turned those lessons into a passion for connection.

In 2022, we transformed Mama Yala into Surefire, a modern cornerstone for quality meals and neighborhood gathering. When a fire took our physical space in 2024, it didn’t take our spirit. The community of Sunset Park and beyond carried us through, and we kept the fire burning the only way we knew how: on the move.

The food truck was our bridge. It was the grit that kept us connected when we lost our walls. But today, the truck has led us to our next chapter. We have moved beyond the temporary to build the future we once only reimagined.

We are back, stronger and more intentional than ever. We remain committed to innovation and community prosperity, serving what we believe are the best smash burgers and chicken sandwiches in Charlotte. Every plate is a tribute to our journey, infused with the bold, traditional seasonings from our family homeland of Kinshasa, Congo.

The fire didn’t stop us, it forged us. Welcome to the new Surefire.

Quality That Never Folds.