Middle East Market ( Best Bites )

For those of us in North Carolina who love to cook, explore new flavors, or simply seek out ingredients not readily available in conventional supermarkets, a specialty grocery store is an absolute must-have. In Goldsboro, the Middle East Market, also known as Best Bites, stands out as just such a place. It's more than a typical grocery store; it's a culinary gateway, offering a unique selection of products that cater to a diverse range of tastes and cultural cooking needs.

Local grocery stores, particularly those specializing in international goods, play a vital role in enriching a community's food landscape. They provide access to authentic ingredients, supporting both home cooks looking to recreate traditional dishes and adventurous eaters eager to try something new. Middle East Market (Best Bites) in Goldsboro is recognized for being a "great little shop" that is "perfect for hard to find ingredients," filling a niche that larger chains often overlook. Furthermore, with exciting plans for expansion into a hot food service, this market is set to become an even more indispensable part of the Goldsboro food scene.

---

Middle East Market (Best Bites) is conveniently located at 2811 Royall Ave, Goldsboro, NC 27534, USA. This address places it within a accessible part of Goldsboro, making it a manageable drive for many residents throughout the city and surrounding areas of Wayne County. Royall Avenue is a key road, suggesting that the market is easy to find and reach. While specific parking details aren't provided, specialty markets typically offer adequate parking to accommodate their customers.

Being situated in Goldsboro, the market is a local hub for those seeking diverse food options. Whether you're coming from the residential neighborhoods or from other commercial areas, its location on a recognizable street helps ensure a straightforward journey. This accessibility is crucial for a specialty store, as it allows customers to easily stop by for their unique ingredient needs without having to travel extensively.

---

Middle East Market (Best Bites) primarily functions as a specialty grocery store, providing a curated selection of food items. Based on available information and typical offerings of such markets, you can expect the following services:

• Hard-to-Find Ingredients: The market excels in offering ingredients that might not be available in larger, mainstream grocery stores. This includes a variety of spices, grains, canned goods, and other pantry staples essential for Middle Eastern and international cuisines.
• Halal Butcher: A significant service highlighted is the presence of a halal butcher. This is invaluable for customers seeking ethically prepared meat products in accordance with Islamic dietary laws, ensuring quality and adherence to specific religious practices.
• Fresh Produce: While the focus is often on specialty items, most markets, especially those expanding, offer fresh produce relevant to their culinary focus. This could include specific vegetables, fruits, and herbs used in Middle Eastern cooking.
• Deli Section: Some specialty markets feature a deli counter with prepared foods, cheeses, and cold cuts, often including traditional items. Given the "Best Bites" name and future plans, a deli component is highly likely, even if currently undergoing upgrades.
• Variety of Packaged Goods: Expect shelves stocked with a wide range of packaged goods, including various types of olives, cheeses, yogurts, pastries, and sweets from the Middle East and surrounding regions.
• Spices and Herbs: A comprehensive selection of both common and rare spices and dried herbs, crucial for authentic international cooking.
• Beverages: A selection of unique beverages, including specialty teas, coffees, and traditional fruit juices.
• Planned Hot Food Service (May 2025): A highly anticipated upcoming service is the addition of a hot food counter. This means customers will soon be able to purchase freshly prepared, delicious meals directly from the market, offering a convenient dining option and a taste of authentic cuisine. This is a significant enhancement for the community.

---

Several aspects make Middle East Market (Best Bites) a notable establishment for Goldsboro locals:

• Specialized Inventory: The primary highlight is its specialized inventory. For those searching for ingredients specific to Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, or other international cuisines, this market is a treasure trove, saving customers the trouble of searching far and wide.
• Halal Meats: The presence of a halal butcher is a significant feature, catering directly to a specific community need and ensuring access to properly prepared meats.
• Community-Focused Atmosphere: As a "great little shop," it likely fosters a more personal and welcoming atmosphere compared to larger supermarkets, where customers might feel more valued.
• Knowledgeable Staff: While one review mentioned an issue with a specific product (henna cones), another praised the "nice and helpful" staff when locating items. This suggests a general commitment to customer assistance and product knowledge, which is crucial in a specialty market.
• Exciting Expansion Plans: The ongoing upgrade and the highly anticipated "starting to serve food sometime in May 2025" are major highlights. This demonstrates a commitment to growth and an exciting new offering for the Goldsboro community, transforming it into a combined grocery and dining destination.
• Unique Finds: As noted by customers, it's a place where you can not only find what you're looking for but also "discover things that you had no idea was available," making each visit an opportunity for culinary exploration.

---

While specific daily or weekly promotions for Middle East Market (Best Bites) are not widely publicized in generic search results, specialty markets often engage in various types of offers to attract and retain customers. Based on the general practices of such businesses and information found, here are potential types of promotions Goldsboro shoppers might encounter:

• Weekly or Monthly Specials: Keep an eye out for in-store signage or potential social media updates for rotating deals on popular items or seasonal produce. Their website does mention "Monthly Specials" and "Wednesday Hump Day Specials," indicating they actively run promotions.
• "Monday Healthy Hour": Their website also lists a "Monday Healthy Hour" special, suggesting specific times or days when certain healthy items might be discounted or offered at a special rate.
• Bulk Buy Discounts: For certain pantry staples or spices, larger quantities might be offered at a reduced per-unit price.
• New Product Introductions: When new or rare ingredients arrive, they might be featured with introductory pricing to encourage customers to try them.
• Deli or Prepared Food Combos: Once the hot food service is fully operational, expect meal deals or combo offers that pair a main dish with sides or a drink.
• Loyalty Programs: While not confirmed, some smaller markets offer simple loyalty programs, such as punch cards for discounts after a certain number of purchases.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on their current promotions, visiting the store or checking their official online presence directly would be the best approach.

---

For inquiries or to learn more about Middle East Market (Best Bites), here is their contact information:

• Address: 2811 Royall Ave, Goldsboro, NC 27534, USA
• Phone: (919) 583-5520
• Mobile Phone: +1 919-583-5520

It's always a good idea to call ahead if you're looking for a very specific ingredient or want to confirm the availability of their halal butcher services. You might also inquire about the progress of their hot food service and its official launch date.

---

For the diverse and growing community of Goldsboro, North Carolina, Middle East Market (Best Bites) at 2811 Royall Ave is an incredibly suitable and valuable local resource. It fills a crucial gap by providing access to hard-to-find international ingredients, particularly catering to Middle Eastern culinary needs. The presence of a dedicated halal butcher service is a significant benefit for a large segment of the population, offering convenience and peace of mind. Beyond its unique inventory, the market fosters a friendly and helpful atmosphere, as evidenced by positive customer feedback regarding the staff. The ongoing upgrades and the highly anticipated launch of a hot food service in May 2025 demonstrate the market's commitment to evolving and serving the community even better. This expansion will transform it into a dual destination for both specialty grocery shopping and convenient, authentic meals. For anyone in Goldsboro looking to broaden their culinary horizons, find specific cultural ingredients, or simply enjoy unique flavors, Middle East Market (Best Bites) is a definite local gem worth exploring.