By Cathy McCarthy | Contributing Writer
There’s good news at the corner of NE 33rd Avenue and Holman Street: Foodvilla Market, a longtime neighborhood corner store, is returning to familiar hands. BK and Diyana Kassab, owners of Aladdin’s Café next door, have reacquired Foodvilla, a business they know inside and out.
BK first ran the store for about 15 years beginning in the mid-1990s, before selling it to focus on the restaurant that he and Diyana opened in the early 20oos. The couple, who have owned the building since the ‘9os, say they’re thrilled to bring the shop back into the family.
This new chapter will also be a family affair: the Kassabs’ son, Elias Kassab who grew up around Aladdin’s Café – will manage the reimagined store. “It’s exciting to breathe new life into the place where so many neighbors have stopped by over the years,” BK says.
While Foodvilla will continue to offer everyday essentials, the Kassabs are expanding its offerings in flavorful new directions. They will offer fresh Middle Eastern ingredients, spice blends, and specialty desserts, along with Turkish coffee, grab-and-go prepared foods, and an array of international and locally made snacks and products.
Some new features will roll out over time – including an ice cream machine and a deli counter. The family also plans to add a small seating area with tables where neighbors can linger over coffee or a quick bite. The space will serve as a comfortable extension of Aladdin’s Café – blending convenience, flavor, and community.
The Kassabs plan to keep evolving the store’s offerings after reopening, guided by feedback from their longtime customers and new neighbors alike.
Foodvilla is expected to reopen in early November. For updates, follow @foodvillapdx on Instagram.
Cathy McCarthy grew up in Concordia and, after years away, is glad to once again call the neighborhood home. She serves on the CNA board and leads the Social Committee. In her free time, you’ll find her out exploring the city and enjoying timе outdoors.