1669-42 Social, Society,& Local News 1946-1993 THU AUG 22 1991 ED: FINAL
SECTION: NEIGHBORS MB PAGE: 2 LENGTH: 12 . 14" MEDIUM
ILLUST: photo: The Epicure ' s Hostess Pantry
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SOURCE: CINDY YCAZA Herald Staff Writer
DATELINE:
MEMO:
EPICURE 'S HOSTESS PANTRY
STOPS SERVING IN SURFSIDE
Epicure ' s Hostess Pantry in Surfside, a 30-year-old satellite store of
the famed Miami Beach Epicure Market, has closed its doors.
White paper with red writing now covers the front window at 9417 Harding
Ave. : "Say Bye Hostess Pantry Surfside, Hello Epicure Market. Come shop at
1656 Alton Road. "
Initially, the owners of the Epicure had closed the Surfside store in
May for renovations. Four weeks ago, they decided to shut it permanently.
Epicure Manager Mitchell Thal said the store was profitable, but there
aren ' t any plans to open another one.
"It is very difficult to run more than one market, " Thal said.
"Originally, we were planning to expand to the property next door. Then the
building was sold. "
The store ' s 12 employees were transferred to the Epicure Market on the
Beach, he said. That store is 46 years old.
The Hostess Pantry in Surfside opened in 1961, a quarter the size of
Epicure Market. It featured prepared foods and baked goods, but did not offer
fresh meats, produce or specialty services.
A store on 41st Street opened in 1965 . But it closed in 1985 .
Epicure delicacies had a stint in Burdines department stores from 1975
to 1980 . Pan American World Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways still serve
the market ' s desserts and pastries on flights departing Miami.
Surfside Town Manager Hal Cohen said his office staff had long walked
the two blocks to the store to bring take-out meals and baked goods back to
the office.
"I am sorry to see it go, " said Cohen. "I used to stop there on the way
home and buy capons. They have a very good cabbage soup. It is a loss to the
community, that ' s for sure. "
Bal Harbour Mayor Estelle Stern said she used to make frequent trips
there. "I shopped there constantly, and I miss it terribly already, " she said.
"That ' s terrible news. "
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