San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
Elevated shopping is in the bag at MRKT Space
International businessmen and friends Alex Brinis and Matt Power have curated a selection of high-quality foods, pantry items and great bites at MRKT Space, an upscale convenience store, cafe and bar with two locations in San Diego.
The pair founded MRKT Space in 2020 in Perth, Australia, where it became an instant success. In 2021, they brought their concept for a high-end market, restaurant and bottle shop to Encinitas, opening a storefront nestled between Coast Highway 101 and Beacon’s Beach. Last year, MRKT Space opened its second U.S. location in La Jolla.
“(MRKT Space) is designed to be a nice place to stop by and pick up something you need or run into someone you know and grab a glass of wine,” Power said.
He calls the shop a “great launch pad” for meeting up with friends before going out, or a place people can rely on for bites and pours when hosting an evening at home.
Both local stores carry international and local products like wines and cheeses, as well as an Italian-inspired menu, coffee drinks, libations and breakfast foods, as well as lunch and dinner options at the cafe and bar.
Power said one of the highly-requested items at MRKT Space is the fresh mozzarella and burrata cheese made from scratch at the store on Saturday mornings by A Mano Artisan Cheese Co., run by Rodolfo Mercurio.
“We don’t offer a huge range but you can be sure the products are the best quality,” Power said about the store’s selection.
The upscale market offers a social club membership for $50 a year that includes perks like a $20 birthday credit and a free t-shirt. MRKT Space also hosts free monthly events such as calligraphy classes and a “locals night” with local vendors.
Follow @mrktspace_us on Instagram.