Phoenicia Specialty Foods

About Phoenicia Specialty Foods

The International Food Market of Your Dreams

Phoenicia Specialty Foods is a premier, family-owned gourmet international food market offering food lovers more than 20,000 products from over 50 countries, all at affordable prices. Whether you’re searching for specialty ingredients or everyday groceries, Phoenicia provides an extensive selection that caters to the tastes and needs of food enthusiasts.

A Dream Born in 1983

Phoenicia’s journey began in 1983 when Arpi and Zohrab Tcholakian, a Lebanese-Armenian couple, opened Phoenicia Deli, a small 2,500 square foot Mediterranean-style delicatessen and grocery store on Westheimer Road in Houston, Texas. The couple’s passion for food led them to follow their dream rather than wait for the looming layoffs in Zohrab’s engineering profession, resulting from the collapse of the oil industry in the 1980s. Despite the tough economic times, Phoenicia Deli quickly gained a loyal following and still thrives today under the name Arpi’s Phoenicia Deli, named after the family matriarch.

The Growth from Deli to Specialty Foods Market

In 1992, Phoenicia Deli began leasing a space to store the many imported goods they were receiving. What started as a storage area soon turned into a specialty food market as retail and wholesale customers began seeking out these unique, hard-to-find items. This growth led to the creation of Phoenicia Specialty Foods, which opened in 2006 as a 55,000 square foot international food market across the street from the original deli. The market features modern amenities, including three conveyor belts transporting freshly baked pita and flatbreads from the mezzanine bakery to customers below, enhancing the shopping experience.

A Commitment to Freshness and Quality

Phoenicia’s success is attributed to its strong import partnerships that keep prices competitive, along with its dedication to listening to customer requests. The store takes pride in producing sought-after gourmet foods in-house, ensuring freshness and quality. Phoenicia continually evolves, adding new products and services based on customer needs and preferences, ensuring an exceptional shopping experience for all.

Phoenicia Specialty Foods Downtown

In November 2011, Phoenicia expanded with the opening of Phoenicia Specialty Foods in Downtown Houston, a 28,000 square foot, state-of-the-art market at the One Park Place luxury high-rise. This marked the first grocery store to open in downtown Houston in over 40 years. Urban residents and workers now have access to Phoenicia’s signature food offerings, including prepared meals, a sandwich station, salad bar, olive bar, espresso bar, and a bakery featuring European and Mediterranean desserts and breads made fresh daily. The market also boasts a fresh pizza corner, gourmet meats and cheeses, and delectable gelatos. Additionally, Phoenicia Downtown features MKT BAR, an in-house gastro-pub perfect for a night out before the theater or after a sporting event. The store offers convenient on-site parking, and catering and delivery services are available for downtown neighbors.

Recognized Excellence

Phoenicia Specialty Foods has garnered numerous accolades for its excellence, including being named one of the Top 10 Food Markets in the United States by Saveur magazine and receiving the “Best Grocery Store” honor from My Table magazine. Travel host Samantha Brown also featured Phoenicia on her PBS show Places to Love. Phoenicia continues to thrive and is a beloved destination for Houstonians, foodies, and visitors alike.

Conclusion

With a rich history, a commitment to quality, and a passion for bringing global flavors to Houston, Phoenicia Specialty Foods has become more than just a food market – it’s an experience. Whether shopping for gourmet ingredients, enjoying a fresh meal, or exploring unique international products, Phoenicia offers a world of flavors in one place.