Ahmad Manci doesn’t believe in self-promotion or “propaganda,” as he calls it. So for almost 40 years, international students and Ames locals alike have found their way to Manci’s Pammel Grocery and Deli largely by word of mouth, be it a recommendation from a friend or the Iowa State University Reddit forums.
Manci opened Pammel Grocery in 1987, a few months after he graduated from ISU, to serve the Indian, Pakistani, Turkish, Middle Eastern, African, Eastern European, South and Central American communities. When asked about the value of having a grocery store such as his in Ames, Manci is humble. He says what his family does (Manci’s wife and daughter are also a regular fixtures at Pammel) is no different than Hy-Vee or Fareway.
His customers disagree.
“This is the only place to get groceries from back home,” said Shobhit Singh, a senior at ISU, who visits Pammel about once a week for South Asian ingredients.
In addition to a variety of shelf-stable and frozen goods, Manci also offers seasonal garden-fresh produce. Homemade signs on the front door offer a quick peek at restocks and produce delivery schedules. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, chances are Manci can quickly tell you when to expect the next order and when to return.
But the grocery is only half of what Pammel has to offer. Snake past several rows of stocked goods into the back of the store and you’ll find a modest kitchen and seating area for patrons to enjoy samosas, kabobs, kofta, hummus, falafel, chicken shawarma, a classic cheeseburger and more. Gyros are a favorite menu item, served as a sandwich, dinner, salad or burrito. And for the sweet tooth, several baklava options are available. Chilled beverages including a variety of juices and teas can be found by the check-out to accompany your lunch.
Beyond the deli and grocery items, Pammel offers something that can’t be bought or sold: community. Regulars are known by face and order. Conversations between the Manci family and customers take place at the check-out, in the aisles and by the kitchen.
Catch Manci at a rare quiet moment and he may even sit with you to discuss the meaning of life over lunch. The halal restaurant has garnered 700 reviews and 4.6 star rating on Google. Manci may not believe in advertising or self-promotion, but his community is happy to do so on his behalf.
Pammel Grocery and Deli
113 Colorado Ave Ste 133, Ames
Deli open Tues-Sat, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Grocery store open Tues-Sun, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
This article was originally published in Little Village’s August 2026 issue.
