Foodvilla Under New Management in Portland

Foodvilla, a local independent corner market, has been in operation for many years on NE 33rd Avenue next door to Aladdin’s Cafe. I recently learned that they are under new management along with new ownership, so I reached out to find out more. I had a chance to speak with Diyana Kassab and her son Elias Kassab, the new owners; you may know them as part of the family runs Aladdin’s Cafe, next door. Here is what I learned from them.

Foodvilla, the (Maybe) History

This one-story building was built in 1954 and is currently home to both the market and Aladdin’s Cafe. There’s really not that much that I was able to find online about the building’s history, save for this comment on the Alameda Old House History blog—“Mr Barns” refers to Frank Barnes of the 32-room Frank C. Barnes house, a historic home in Northeast Portland:

“I also believe that Mr Barns [sic] was the one who built the building now called Foodvilla on 33rd ave…..I think It was called Lombard food center when it opened in the 50’s……before that it was a Mom and Pop store attached to a house but I am not sure of the name.” Polk’s Portland City Directory confirms that it was called Lombard Food Center.

Wikipedia indicates that Frank C Barnes (1854–1931), “was prominent in Portland’s grocery and fish processing industries.” This little market could have fit in with his professional work.

Foodvilla

Foodvilla—which is spelled both “Food Villa” and “Foodvilla” all over the internet, but I am choosing the latter—has had a presence for many years in the Concordia neighborhood. Locals sometimes refer to it as Foodzilla, a term of endearment. It’s been a place to buy beer, soda, snacks, household items, and more—and is noted as a good option to hit up for provisions on your way to the airport.

Elias will manage Foodvilla in its new form; he, his sister, and parents are working hard to transform the space into something with their signature on it.

Aladdin’s Cafe

One of Portland’s longtime Middle Eastern restaurants, Aladdin’s Cafe has been around for over 20 years. Elias remarked, “They opened up when I was about two years old. So we’ve been here for a while.”

Diyana added, “You know, we’ve been in the neighborhood almost twenty-two, twenty-three years. So we’ve known the area since the kids were little—and now they are adults. Since that time, the neighborhood has seen us here every day. They feel this restaurant is like family—a family neighborhood restaurant.”

Also fun fact: The people who run Speedboat Coffee are cousins to the Kassab family.

Incoming Owners of Foodvilla

So why are the Kassabs assuming ownership and operation of the Foodvilla business? Elias told me that the lease was up for the previous operators, and the Kassabs wanted to take it over and run it themselves again.

I say “again” because Elias’s dad ran Foodvilla about fifteen years ago. “And now that I’m actually old enough to work there, we thought it would be a good thing for me to start my new career,” Elias explained.

Diyana added, “Everyone walks to us, and we’ve know many [customers] since they were little.” They want to inject the same kind of thing at the market—to make it a family business, and offer a familiar and welcoming face to the neighborhood.

Throughout our conversation they repeatedly emphasized that they want Foodvilla to be a family-friendly place in the neighborhood, as well as simply, “a place you can just walk to and purchase what you need.”

They’ve posted signs outside the market and over the weeks about the closure and changes to come, and have learned that many of their restaurant customers are excited about what’s coming to Foodvilla—which includes updating the interior. Apparently, people who previously ran the market didn’t make any aesthetic changes at all. They are planning to close down for a little bit while they work on the update.

Afterwards, they want folks to enjoy the new look. “Basically, I want people to walk in and not even recognize it!” said Elias.

What To Expect at the Updated Foodvilla

So there’s going to be the obvious visual changes coming, but will there be any change in the kinds of things they sell? In short, the answer is Yes.

“So, we’re planning to do small grab and go hot foods,” explained Elias. “We’re planning to sell hummus and tabbouli salad that we make at the restaurant.” They would also like to offer marinated meats for kabobs, the kind you take home and cook on a grill.

Other things they plan to offer are a variety of Mediterranean packaged goods, organic foods from around the world, as well as Mediterranean spice blends. Pita bread from a bakery in Seattle will also be on the shelves.

On the sweet side of things, eventually they plan to have an ice cream machine and a slushy machine. Additionally, you’ll find homemade baklava, as well as some vegan and gluten-free options. Coffee is also in the plans, including Turkish coffee. “Our customers love our Turkish coffee!” said Diyana.

“We want it to be more than a convenience store, with things that are unique that that will bring people here.” remarked Elias.

That said, for those who may be concerned: You’ll still be able to find most of the snacks, beers, and drinks that you’ve been accustomed to seeing there.

Exotic Snacks

Speaking of snacks, they plan to expand the current offerings in snacky foods. “One thing that I am pretty excited about, is bringing exotic snacks.” explained Elias. “So we’re going have a whole exotic snack section, like from Japan, that we are able to get shipped in.”

I mentioned how great it would be to have ketchup chips from Canada, which we both agreed are seriously good. I also asked about what I clumsily called “Arab apricot leather,” a treat I ate often when I lived in Astoria, Queens. I’ve since learned it’s a Syrian product called amardeen (also Qamar al-din), and put a plug for it as well.

Seating

They also plan to have some tables by the window where you can eat and drink. “Three to four small tables and a half a dozen seats,” explained Elias.

Opening

They are hoping to open mid-September. As far as their hours, “We are not a 100% sure yet, but I think from 7am to 10pm,” Elias said. “So people can come in and get coffee and other things on their way to work.”

What Makes Foodvilla Unique

I asked Elias and Diyana what they believe sets them apart from other in their field, and it comes down to the upcoming food offerings, the ownership, and location. “I think, one of the main things is having our homemade pastries and the marinated kebabs that people can take home and cook,” said Elias.

He continued, “And Foodvilla is the only convenience store in that area. It attracts our neighbors and everyone around the area. Everyone will be happy they are able to find quality stuff.”

Diyana added, “When we talk to our customers at the restaurant, they are excited and they love us. They feel we are one of the families in the neighborhood, not just a business and restaurant.”

Wishing Diyana, Elias, and the whole Kassab family all the best as they get Foodvilla ready to re-open this fall.

Foodvilla [projected re-opening September 2025]
6316 NE 33rd Avenue, Portland
Instagram

Updated September 4, 2025.