Supermarket Perimeter - May 2022 - 10

Customers love the unique
selection available at
this specialty market in
downtown Houston.
The retailer features their own in-house yogurts,
lebnis, Shanklish cheese (dry cured spice crusted feta),
Taramasalata, Basterma and the like, and so many
prepared food options from hummus, couscous,
pomegranate salmon to harissa wings.
Phoenicia Foods Downtown features MKT BAR,
an in-house gastro-pub that accommodates as
many as 260 guests. This hip, urban hangout is the
perfect stop before the theater, after a sporting
event, or just to enjoy a tasty night out. See
MKTBAR.COM for the nightly music schedule
and more. Phoenicia Foods Downtown is a
unique destination for Houstonians, foodies
and visitors alike (with the convenience of
a complimentary, onsite-parking garage). In
addition, catering and delivery is available for
downtown neighbors.
Among many honors, Phoenicia Specialty Foods
has been named one of the Top 10 Food Markets in
the United States by Saveur magazine, and My Table
magazine has named Phoenicia Best Grocery Store.
Samantha Brown, travel host, has mentioned Phoenicia
in her PBS show Places to Love.
Concepts that match needs
" Our Westheimer Road location caters to more of the
family shopper - with big shopping carts looking for lots
of ingredients, " Tcholkian explains. " At this downtown
location, we offer a lot of both, including a lot of
10 - MAY 2022
supermarketperimeter.com
prepared foods. We expanded the line and got creative.
People felt comfortable coming here. We weren't getting
the same lunch traffic as before because people were
wanting to take food home. "
In response, the grocer created lots of ready-to-go
salad packages and snack boxes. One creative example is
a snack box featuring honey pepper goat cheese, salami,
and Muhammara red pepper dip. " That was something
new. They do really well, " she said. " Everybody can get
their own little snack box. People like the idea of gifting
these delicious gourmet packages. We love helping
people celebrate. "
Every day they walk in the door, " We ask ourselves,
'How can we be better?' We want to set an example of
how we can do this differently. "
For one, you definitely have to listen to customers.
That's why Phoenicia Specialty Foods has never stopped
exploring new ideas. They offer Greek lasagna, cannoli,
kabobs with rice, shrimp with pesto, meals that can
be shared.
Listening to people, the grocer has learned shoppers
want a more relaxed environment and more familiarity.
They want healthier options.
" We brought back our salad bar and olive bar. People
are thrilled. "
In the deli, they added a lot of deli prepared meals
that occupy about 10 feet more of display space. This
is something they are keeping. It makes sense for the
changing lifestyles of their customers.
Snack
packs are
hot sellers
as customers
seek more
convenience.
PHOENICIA SPECIALTY FOODS, JOHN UNREIN / SOSLAND PUBLISHING CO.
http://www.supermarketperimeter.com
Supermarket Perimeter - May 2022

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