Rice Epicurean Markets is a family-owned supermarket chain that opened its first store in 1988. The company was one of the first to offer online shopping services. Rice Epicurean Markets now maintains several stores in Houston. It operates meat, produce, deli and bakery departments. The company also has a floral department that provides flower and accessory arrangements for parties and weddings. Its stores offer fruit and gift baskets and a variety of gourmet products. The company s stores also feature various types of cheese, seafood, beer and wines. Rice Epicurean Markets operates a cooking school that conducts classes on various types of cuisines. The company funds food banks and cultural organizations and supports educational programs. Additionally, it publishes a newsletter, Haute Topics Shoppers Guide, which carries information on various specialty food products.