A new chapter in Houston’s dining scene unfolds as Local Foods Market opens its doors at Rice University’s Brochstein Pavilion on Wednesday, November 20. Building upon the success of the Rice Village market, which opened in 2021, the new eatery offers an expansive menu and beverage program alongside artisan goods.

“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,” Benjy Levit, Local Foods Group founder, said in a statement. “I hope Local Foods Market at Rice University will serve as a backdrop for others to make great memories.”

This newest concept, open to the public as well as Rice students, faculty, and staff, will feature Local Foods’ signature dishes, such as the 'crunchy' chicken sandwich ($16.25), made with oven-roasted chicken breast, nut-seed crumble, and crushed chips on a pretzel bun. Staying true to its ethos, the restaurant sources ingredients from local purveyors like Atkinson Farms, Swift Hill Farms, and Blue Horizon Seafood, while also catering to diners with gluten-free and vegan options.

Fellow Local Foods Group restaurants will also contribute to the expanded menu, including fresh pasta from the newly-opened Milton’s and breakfast tacos from Maximo — made with tortillas that use nixtamalized heirloom corn. The culinary team is led by chef-partner Dylan Murray and executive chef Geoff Hundt, with guidance from culinary and creative director Seth Siegel-Gardner.

“When selecting a food vendor to rejuvenate the 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, Rice's senior executive director and chief hospitality officer.

No campus eatery would be complete without espresso, and the restaurant continues its partnership with Greenway Coffee to craft espresso-based drinks including Local Foods’ signature Honey Iced Coffee.

The market will also boast a curated beer and wine list, including offerings from Saint Arnold Brewing Company, helmed by Rice alum Brock Wagner. Guests will be able to sip on a custom Cabernet-forward blend, a Local Foods Group and William Chris Vineyards collaboration, before it expands to the hospitality group’s other concepts.

  

Photo by Julie Soefer

Local Foods Market is opening its second location on the Rice University campus.

Ben Rosenblum Studio reimagined the 6,000-square-foot space while honoring the original structure by Thomas Phifer and Partners. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase freshly landscaped grounds, while museum-inspired lighting and a striking black quartzite order counter create a cozier, more inviting atmosphere. Garnish Design advised on the renovation and contributed furniture selections to complete the space.

Local Foods Market at Rice University will operate Monday through Friday from 8 am to 6 pm and on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. The venue, which can host private events for up to 300 guests, is now accepting bookings.