Rice Epicurean Markets Unveils Exciting New Layout at West University Area Location

HOUSTON, Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- When the doors swung open last week on the newly remodeled Rice Epicurean Markets location, neighborhood shoppers were greeted by a unique and exciting new store designed specifically with the upscale, urban neighborhood it calls home in mind.  Having served the Village area since 1937, the neighborhood's original grocery store (originally at the corner of Rice Blvd. and Kelvin) is delighting customers with a tantalizing assortment of new products, services and departments.

Upon entering the store, shoppers are greeted by a robust variety of fresh and delicious produce, along with a distinctive architectural design.  "We want to awaken the senses from the moment you walk in to the store, and provide an enticing welcome that prepares you for a fabulous shopping experience," said Bruce Levy, one of the store's owners.

Also featured in the remodel, designed by Hermes Architects, is a fantastic array of boutique style permanent displays offering exciting products.  New in the deli are The Carvery, offering delicious ready to eat meals and gourmet sandwiches, a $5 Buck Cluck Hot Rotisserie Chicken case providing delicious all-natural chickens in a variety of flavors, and a special Smoked Salmon program bringing NY deli style, fresh sliced salmon back to Houston.

In other areas of the store, the fresh floral department has been expanded, the See's Candy boutique offers counter service and a wide assortment of pre-packed goodies, and the all new Stonewall Kitchen boutique pulls together a huge line of delicious and award winning products that includes marinades, all-natural preserves, fabulous dips and more.  The bakery department features fresh baked breads, delectable treats and the famous Killer Brownies in a variety of flavors.  Additionally, the meat department has been expanded, and includes a full time staff of butchers at the ready.

At the same time that the store's interior was completely renovated, the exterior of the shopping center was also updated. U.S. Builders was the general contractor for the renovation.

"With this new store concept, we wanted to provide a dynamic shopping experience that works for both the residential customers from West U, Braes Heights, and other surrounding neighborhoods, while also providing relevant services for the people that work next door at Kelsey Seybold and in the near by Medical Center," said Gary Friedlander, President of Rice Epicurean Markets.

Also prominent in the remodel are the display of treasured family photographs, and a larger than life pictorial history of the chain's 73-year presence in the Houston market.  The huge black and white photos, posted around the store's interior, offer a nod to the chains storied past in the city, with primary focus on the original Rice Blvd. Food Markets Village location and early advertising campaigns.

The West University location is located at 2617 West Holcombe at the intersection of West Holcombe and Kirby Dr.  The location originally opened in 1994.

About Rice Epicurean Markets

Founded in 1937, Rice Epicurean Markets is the oldest family-owned supermarket chain in Houston. Each of the five locations are merchandised to be in tune with its particular neighborhood and feature high quality gourmet products, personalized service and exclusive lines like Logan Farms Honey Glazed Ham™, See's Candy and Killer Brownies®.  Rice Epicurean Markets can be found in River Oaks, West University/Med Center area, Tanglewood, Briargrove, Memorial and online at http://www.RiceEpicurean.com where customers can shop for groceries and have their orders delivered to their home or office or made available for pick-up at one of the stores.

SOURCE Rice Epicurean Markets