THE INTERIOR OF ENSON MARKET, A NEW INTERNATIONAL GROCERY STORE IN ROCKWELL PARK IN POINT BREEZE NORTH | PHOTO BY NAOMI GIRSON

[Updated July 21, 2025: Enson Market was closed by the Allegheny County Health Department on July 10, citing numerous violations. The closure was officially lifted July 15.]

A new market, offering an expansive array of affordable Asian and American products, has opened in Pittsburgh’s Point Breeze North neighborhood. Enson Market, part of the Fresh International Market chain, has opened in the 40,000-square-foot historic Apollo warehouse building in the relatively new Rockwell Park at 7511 Thomas Blvd. It has its own parking lot.

This is at least the 10th location for the company, which is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the only one in Pennsylvania as well as the Northeast. The others are located in the Midwest, Texas and Florida.

For a quick bite or a mid-morning pick-me-up, the building also houses Ineffable Cà Phê, a Vietnamese cafe, marking their second location in Pittsburgh (the other one is in Lawrenceville).

ENSON MARKET OPENED IN LATE JUNE IN POINT BREEZE NORTH | PHOTO BY NAOMI GIRSON

Al Lardo, managing member at Ellsworth Equities, a real estate firm managing the development of Rockwell Park, said he is proud of expanding the grocery options in the area. Ellsworth Equities earlier this year also brought in an Aldi Market a few blocks east of Rockwell Park at 401 Penn Ave. in Wilkinsburg; it’s the first national grocery to open in the borough in decades.

The East End Food Co-op, which traces its origins to the early 1970s, has operated adjacent to Rockwell Park across Meade Street in The Factory since 1986.

“We’re delighted to provide a large eclectic set of offerings to the community,” Lardo says.

After delays, Enson Market opened in late June and business is already bustling.

The market supplies a diverse stock, with Asian delicacies as well as more traditional American grocery products, with imports from more than 28 countries, according to their website.

Their mission, according to owner Bowen Kou in a statement is “to become the go-to destination for global flavors in town.”

At first, the store may seem intimidating with some unusual food options and labels in different languages, but after a walkthrough, it becomes easier to navigate. The store’s website provides some guidance on what do with some of the merchandise; it provides recipes and recommendations for some of their available items, such as five essential Chinese ingredients to keep stocked in your kitchen, or simply learn more about Chinese tea culture.

THE SHELVES AT ENSON MARKET ARE PACKED WITH FOODS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. | PHOTO BY NAOMI GIRSON

The market itself is spacious, with natural light coming through the front windows. When you walk in you are greeted with fresh produce, farther to the left you can find kitchen supplies and utensils and other items. They also have a section of first-aid essentials and self-care products.

Regarding meats, they have a fresh seafood deli and a butcher shop, as well as frozen meats to purchase.

There are Asian and American dairy products and a whimsical selection of snacks that would be considered hard-to-find in any other grocery store, with unique chip, drink and snack flavors throughout the store. Their beverage aisle is filled with bright colors and peculiar shaped bottles, with flavors from peach to bubblegum.

Ineffable, the adjacent coffee shop and restaurant, has seen steady business since opening, according to Andre Manning, the general manager.

INEFFABLE CA PHE, A VIETNAMESE CAFE, IS CONNECTED TO ENSON MARKET ON THE SIDE. | PHOTO BY NAOMI GIRSON

Their most popular items are their Banh Mi Ga Xa Ot (lemongrass chicken sandwich), Banh mi Thit Kho (braised pork belly sandwich) and their Vietnamese cold brew.

I opted for the Thit Kho — with jalapenos — though I was told some of them can be deceptively spicy. I did have a burning mouth for a couple of bites, and I dipped my sandwich in some sriracha, but it was still fantastic.

The banh mi was a perfect golden color, with a nice crunch; the cucumber and carrots were sliced thin and the sauce was enough to keep the pork from being dry, without taking away from any other flavors.

Both the market and Ineffable sell alcohol, though they won’t serve you at the bar until 11 a.m.

Enson Market is open daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the cafe is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.