Like most brothers and sisters, Margaret and Malek Abijaoude share a familiar banter while working in the store. It is part of the casual atmosphere that makes you feel at home as you walk through the front door. Margaret shared her love of the family-owned bakery as she took me on a tour of the original store on South Lamar.

First impressions are the most lasting, and, thankfully, the intimate space gives way to the delicious aroma of fresh-baked pita bread from the bakery in back. With limited room, the store's interior selection can seem overwhelming, but the staff at Phoenicia is eager to help you make discoveries among the well-stocked shelves and deli counter. My personal favorite, a fabulous garlic chicken kabob wrap, was preceded by a quiet and helpful warning from a sweet girl behind the counter that I should probably have some breath mints on hand after this one.

Although proud of their Lebanese and Spanish heritage, Margaret and Malek have created a place where choices are not limited to any specific cultural background. Some of the items in greatest demand come from Greece, Croatia, Spain, and Persia. Margaret smiles, “We get things from all over. Customers will come in with a little empty jar from their shelves at home asking if we could please help them find it again. We always try to help and get it in the store as soon as possible. We do our best when it comes to finding unusual grocery items.”

As I was eager to explore the bakery, Margaret took me behind the scenes where they bake the famous Phoenicia pita bread. Hot and puffy straight from the oven, it was all I could do not to grab the bread right as it came out. The bakery was filled with high energy and toasty warmth. Although it was nice for a cool winter, I can't imagine how it must be in August. Not to be over shadowed by the pita bread, the Greek, Lebanese, French and American pastries created in this space are also worth the trip. Margaret mentions that with a call ahead, special orders can be made for intricate pastries like the vanilla puff Napoleon cakes.

The loyal customers are what Margaret & Malek are most thankful for. A small local grocery that specializes in international foods would not survive in all towns, but, thanks to Austinites, support for Phoenicia Bakery and Deli has grown strong over the years. They attribute their success to the community that directed them from the original idea to the global market they are now. Fortunately for all of us, this family did not stop with bread and coffee.