Lebanese Foods Offered At Local St. Petersburg Market

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Nabih Beydoun, a native of Lebanon, opened Phoenicia Mediterranean Market just off 66th Street North about five years ago. Food and many of its beverages are imported from Lebanon.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, Beydoun said his store had more products but massive delays caused by the pandemic has caused a shortage.

"We did very good in 2020," Beydoun told Patch. "But in 2021, several months were good, but June, July, August and September — I don't know what's going on."

They used to be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. but because of business slowing down he's adjusted the stores hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The store is also now closed on Sundays. Since it's not possible to hire extra employees during these difficult times, Beydoun works all shifts.

"These are tough times, and it's (the pandemic) not going to go away anytime soon."

Beydoun is passionate about sharing the Middle Eastern culture with his customers through food. He shares easy-to-make Lebanese recipes with his customers, and points out which foods are favorites in Lebanon. Paratha flatbread is popular as it can be enjoyed with dipping sauce, honey or stuffed with spices and minced meat. Another Arabic favorite is halawa with pistachio.

A customer favorite is the spinach pies and meat pies made fresh daily by Beydoun. "This is our specialty right here," he said as he pointed to the pies in the bakery case. "We get everything going with the cooking in the morning, and by 10 a.m., we have food ready to try."

He explained that it's not uncommon in Lebanon to have tabouli on the table at just about every meal as well as Turkish or Arabic coffee, which is sold at his market.

"We love coffee," Beydoun said. He pointed to packs of wafers that include vanilla flavor or chocolate flavor imported from Lebanon and said they go great with coffee. "When I bring these home, they are gone just like that. My kids love them and eat them right up."

Phoenicia Mediterranean Market, 5208 66th Street N, St. Petersburg, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and closed Sundays. For more information, visit its website.

St. Petersburg Local Joints: Welcome to Patch's weekly business series highlighting locally owned businesses in St. Petersburg. Have a business to suggest for the feature? Send an email to skyla.luckey@patch.com.