PHOENICIA SPECIALTY FOODS DOWNTOWN CELEBRATES A FLAVORFUL GRAND OPENING

Posted on September 5, 2011

Houston’s international food market, Phoenicia Specialty Foods will open its new downtown location in September on the ground floor of the One Park Place luxury residential high-rise, across from Discovery Green Park. The international foods market is expanding, offering foodies two locations-one in West Houston and now in Downtown. As Downtown’s first one stop, gourmet grocery store, Phoenicia Specialty Foods is the ultimate experience in urban grocery shopping and dining.

“At Phoenicia, customers can experience the flavors of the world without ever leaving downtown,” said Haig Tcholakian, Phoenicia Specialty Foods Co-owner. “We are thrilled to be Downtown Houston’s newest foodie experience.”

Houstonians will find Phoenicia Specialty Foods Downtown to be a destination for quality culinary products, delicious hand-made pastries and artisanal goods, as well as a one-stop shop with fun housewares and basic household goods. The market features quality meats, cheeses, exotic fresh seafood flown in daily, a 25-foot olive bar, and a wine and beer department noted for its unique, boutique offerings.

Prepared meals to go, a sandwich station, salad bar and bakery items prepared daily by European and Mediterranean chefs will make meal planning easy and enjoyable.
The market is equipped with a 150-foot conveyor belt that transports freshly baked pita bread from the market’s mezzanine bakery to customers on the ground floor. Another conveyer belt will deliver specialty pizzas and flatbreads to the bakery department where hungry patrons can satiate their palettes. Phoenicia’s famous shawarma will be carved on-site from vertical broilers in the market grille department.
Phoenicia Specialty Foods Downtown also includes MKT Bar, an eclectic wine and beer bar, offering freshly prepared gourmet pizza and signature fare, along with decadent coffee, gelato and pastries. In the evening, MKT Bar will be a late-night hot spot, contributing to the energy of downtown Houston. The industrial chic atmosphere features modern artwork and furniture, juxtaposed with vintage barstools, antique mirrors, recycled glass light fixtures and a brick art wall inviting urbanites to sit at the epicenter of Downtown happenings. Large 8 to 12 person metal and natural wood tables invite spontaneous group gatherings or planned out-of-office meetings, while cozy bench seating provides a hip, intimate escape for couples. MKT Bar has its own entrance on McKinney Street, inviting extended hours for late-night eating, drinking and entertainment. Once the market is closed

“The MKT Bar at Phoenicia Specialty Foods Downtown gives patrons the option of enjoying our signature dishes while having a glass of wine or an international beer in a hip and relaxed setting,” said Haig Tcholakian, Phoenicia Co-owner. “MKT Bar is a dynamic environment to offer our customers a place to gather.”

A complimentary, onsite-parking garage and catering and delivery services for downtown neighbors make shopping at Phoenicia enjoyable and hassle-free.

Phoenicia Specialty Foods Downtown is located at One Park Place, 1001 Austin Street, Houston TX, 77010 at the corner of Austin Street between McKinney and Lamar. Hours are Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Phoenicia MKT Bar will have extended hours: Monday-Wednesday 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday 7a.m.-2 a.m., Friday-Saturday 9 a.m.-2 a.m., and Sunday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. The market offers food lovers more than 6,000 products from more than 50 countries at down-to-earth prices. Phoenicia Specialty Foods is owned and operated by the Tcholakian family. In addition to the Downtown market, the family runs the three-decade successful Arpi’s Phoenicia Deli located at 12151 Westheimer Road, and the West Houston Phoenicia Specialty Foods location at 12141 Westheimer Road. For more information, visit www.yumstop.com, call 281.558.8225 or email [email protected].