Family-owned and operated Phoenicia Specialty Foods, Houston’s premier, international food market, introduces MKT Bar, an eclectic wine and beer bar, that will open alongside Phoenicia Specialty Foods’ new downtown location in September. Poised at the corner of Austin Street between McKinney and Lamar, MKT Bar will be open from breakfast through late-night, serving a variety of boutique wines and beers, gourmet pizza and signature fare, along with decadent coffee, gelato and pastries.

“In addition to the market, we wanted to create a fun, intimate atmosphere that encourages gathering,” says Haig Tcholakian, Phoenicia Specialty Foods co-owner. “Bringing a new vibe to downtown, MKT Bar will be the perfect gathering spot for people to casually meet while enjoying flavorful international cuisine, beers and wine.”

In the evening, MKT Bar will contribute to the energy of downtown Houston. It will feature an industrial chic atmosphere, but still warm and inviting, with the capacity to seat more than 250 customers. The space features vintage bar stools, antique mirrors, recycled glass light fixtures and a brick art wall inviting urbanites to settle in at the epicenter of Downtown happenings. Large 8 to 12 person tables made of metalwork and natural woods invite spontaneous group gatherings or planned out-of-office meetings, while cozy bench seating provides a hip and intimate escape for couples. MKT Bar has its own entrance, on McKinney Street and extended hours for late-night eating, drinking and entertainment. MKT Bar hours will be Monday-Wednesday 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., Thursday 7 a.m.2 a.m., Friday-Saturday 9 a.m.2 a.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. 8 p.m.

The new Phoenicia Specialty Foods Downtown is located in the heart of the city with neighboring, highly trafficked landmarks such as Discovery Green Park, George R. Brown Convention Center, and Minute Maid Park. Phoenicia will offer a delicious, one-stop shop stocked with all of the original market’s signature food favorites. These include prepared meals, a sandwich station, salad bar, and a bakery with selections prepared daily by European and Mediterranean chefs. The market also will feature a fresh pizza corner, quality meats and cheeses, exotic seafood and gourmet gelatos. The market will be equipped with a 150-foot conveyor belt that will transport freshly baked pita bread from the market’s mezzanine bakery to customers on the ground floor. Phoenicia Downtown will also feature a coffee house, a free, onsite-parking garage and catering and delivery to downtown neighbors. Phoenicia Specialty Foods Downtown will be located across from Discovery Green at One Park Place, 1001 Austin Street, Houston TX, 77010.

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 market, the family runs the three-decade successful Arpi’s Phoenicia Deli. The West Houston Phoenicia Specialty Foods is located at 12141 Westheimer Rd. For more information, visit www.yumstop.com, call 281.558.8225 or email [email protected].