Adrien Dennis, a Hartford resident originally from Jamaica, is turning his lifelong dream into reality with the upcoming opening of Jam-Dung Supermarket on Albany Avenue. The new grocery store—set to open next month—will bring authentic Jamaican snacks, spices, and household items to the community, creating a warm and welcoming space that celebrates Caribbean culture.
Dennis is one of the first recipients of Hartford’s Neighborhood Investment Fund, a $5 million initiative designed to revitalize the city’s commercial corridors and support local entrepreneurs. With guidance and mentorship from Upper Albany Main Street (UAMS), Dennis has spent the past year developing his business from the ground up—transforming his vision into a thriving community enterprise.
“Adrien’s story represents exactly what we strive for at Upper Albany Main Street,” said UAMS leadership. “He’s not only building a business—he’s creating opportunity, access, and pride within his neighborhood.”
Dennis’s journey also reflects the impact of education and partnership. He is a proud graduate of Upper Albany Main Street’s Digital Literacy Program, an initiative developed in collaboration with the University of Hartford. The program equips small business owners with vital skills in computer literacy, software tools like Canva, and social media management. For Dennis, these digital tools have become essential to promoting Jam-Dung Supermarket and managing day-to-day operations.
On Nov. 5, Fox 61 News highlighted Dennis’s success and the broader impact of Hartford’s investment in small business revitalization, featuring remarks from Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam. Read the full story here.
The upcoming opening of Jam-Dung Supermarket marks not only a personal milestone for Dennis but also a shining example of how collaboration between UHart and UAMS continues to strengthen Hartford’s entrepreneurial ecosystem—one storefront at a time.