Longtime Houston restaurateur Benjy Levit debuted Local Foods Market-Rice University, situated in the newly renovated Brochstein Pavilion, during a soft opening Nov. 19. Its hours of operation will be weekdays from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The opening marks the second outpost of Local Food Group’s market and restaurant concept — the first opened in Rice Village in 2021. Known for its commitment to sourcing local ingredients (Atkinson Farms, Swift Hill Farms, Blue Horizon Seafood), artisan staples and an expansive beverage selection, the new, open-to-the-public location builds on a robust menu of sandwiches and salads, adding personal pizzas and offerings that represent other Local Foods Group concepts such as pasta sourced from Milton’s and Maximo breakfast tacos.
Chef-Partner Dylan Murray and Executive Chef Geoff Hundt will helm the kitchen with the support of the restaurant group’s Culinary and Creative Director Seth Siegel-Gardner.
“When selecting a food vendor to rejuvenate Brochstein Pavilion, we sought one that values thoughtful ingredient sourcing, sustainable practices and awareness of the varied dietary needs of our students and employees,” said Beth Leaver, senior executive director and chief hospitality officer at Rice. “Local Foods has long been a favorite on campus, and with new concepts, including gluten-free and vegan offerings, this partnership brings an exciting opportunity for even greater variety on campus. This project also aligns with our commitment to supporting local businesses in Houston and furthers our sustainability goals, making this collaboration a great fit.”
On the beverage side, a beer and wine program will bring a curated collection of labels, including Saint Arnold Brewing Company from Rice alumnus Brock Wagner and a custom cabernet-forward wine blend made in collaboration by Local Foods Group and William Chris Vineyards. Meanwhile, espresso-based drinks made with Greenway Coffee beans, such as Local Foods’ signature honey iced coffee, will add a high-end coffee option available for online ordering along with the rest of the beverage and food menu.
In designing the space, hospitality-focused architecture firm Ben Rosenblum Studio sought to shepherd the Brochstein Pavilion into its new era by honoring the existing structure and materials of the 6,000 square foot building designed by architecture firm Thomas Phifer and Partners while making it welcoming and warmer. Ben Rosenblum Studio focused on incorporating museumlike lighting to make it a cozy, ambient space during all hours of the day and bringing to life a rounded rectangular kitchen space with a low countertop surrounding it. The black quartzite countertop doubles as an order counter. Garnish Design helped tie everything together with furniture, fixtures and equipment. Additionally, a partnership with the Moody Center for the Arts resulted in Karyn Olivier’s “Off the Wall” art installation at the pavilion, infusing the space with cultural vibrancy and artistic expression.
The modern building is encircled by floor-to-ceiling windows, which show off fresh landscape design by Dept. around the perimeter of the building. In collaboration with architecture professor Maggie Tsang, the pavilion’s landscape has been reimagined to further enhance the area. This redesign integrates natural elements with the pavilion’s architecture, creating a cohesive and inviting environment.
“Local Foods Group is honored to have a presence at Rice University to nourish students, faculty, staff and community members with locally sourced food and drinks in a comfortable, state-of-the-art setting that aims to match the beauty of campus,” Levit said. “This feels like a homecoming for me. I’ve spent a lot of time at Rice with my family, enjoying the tree-lined pathways, attending football games and even taking some special courses there as a middle schooler. I hope Local Foods Market at Rice University will serve as a backdrop for others to make great memories.”
The location will immediately begin booking private events with a capacity of up to 300 guests. Diners can stay up to date with the market and restaurant on Instagram at @localfoodstexas or online at localfoodstexas.com and make private event inquiries by emailing General Manager Daniel Nossa at daniel@localfoodstexas.com.
To find out more about Rice’s dining options, visit dining.rice.edu.