Craig and Hadya Gines are restructuring Flavors of Phoenicia in Ponderay, shifting resources from full-service dining to retail goods after two years of operation, according to bonnercountydailybee.com.
The owners plan to streamline their restaurant menu, keeping only the most popular Lebanese dishes. This simplification allows them to dedicate more time and capital to producing packaged spice blends, meal mixes, and salad dressings for sale outside the restaurant.
One new offering is a Lebanese Lentil Soup Mix. A single package costs only slightly more than a prepared bowl at the counter but provides enough servings for two or three people, offering a cost-effective option for families.
Beyond business operations, the Gines family remains engaged in local charitable work, volunteering annually for events supporting the Idaho Foodbank. The pivot to retail products aims to expand their reach while maintaining a smaller, more manageable restaurant footprint in North Idaho.