Shopping small is one of the most powerful and helpful ways to support our local economy, and maybe even more importantly, to champion the hardworking entrepreneurs who make the Coastal Bend a one-of-a-kind place to live. If you’re in the market for a fabulous bottle of wine or specialty food items, this list is a great place to start.
Italian Cowboy Food + Provisions
The only Italian-focused package store in Texas lives on the beautiful coast of Rockport. This mom and pop shop prides itself on offering quality, hand-selected Italian wines and spirits as well as cheese, specialty foods, pantry provisions and sustainable plant-based options. If you’re equally intimidated and excited by the 400 options of Italian wines and spirits, the team at Italian Cowboy has your back, as they try every product before it hits the shelves.
2615 TX-35 BUS N, Rockport | @italiancowboytx
Community Grocery
A welcome addition for downtowners is the carefully cultivated, small shopping experience at Community Grocery. Akin to something between a bodega and a Trader Joe’s, albeit something all its own, Community Grocery allows shoppers to support small, sustainable brands offering quality products. For those feeling peckish, its in-store cafe hosts a wide variety of deli-inspired chef creations by its culinary team, utilizing some of the same products and ingredients sold in store.
319 Peoples St. | @communitygrocerytx
Thunderbird Fine Wine & Spirits
Thunderbird celebrated its opening this summer in a newly renovated shop on Peoples Street downtown. The store hosts an assortment of wines, spirits and craft beer, as well as an array of gourmet snacks and favors. Thunderbird shelves offer something for your next big event or for the quiet dinner at home you’ve been looking forward to all week.
418 Peoples St. #112 | @thunderbirdcorpus
Cabana Pantry
A new culinary shopping experience awaits at Cabana Pantry out on Padre Island. Opened with the home and seasoned cook in mind, Cabana Pantry sells a number of products for every foodie looking to step up their kitchen game, from artisanal spice blends and rubs to a selection of fancy pantry items. The shop also offers culinary educational opportunities through cookbooks and in-store classes.
14493 S. Padre Island Drive, Ste. E & F | cabanapantry.com
Boarri Craft Meats & Goods
A butcher shop in name and appearance, at its heart, Boarri is equal parts craftsmanship and culinary artistry. With a focus on providing quality meats through responsible sourcing, Boarri’s experts serve customers with a knowledgeable approach to their craft. In addition to its house meats, Boarri offers a local, regional and globally sourced culinary shopping experience to uptown Corpus Christi with everything from flower bouquets and coffee grounds to canned fish and choice accoutrements.
817 S. Staples St. | @boarricraft
Winton’s Island Candy
This family-owned and operated shop has proudly served confections and treats to the area since 1995, and more recently, has made an impressive comeback since rebuilding the shop after the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Winton’s offers a little something for every palate, from saltwater taffy to sours and gummies, nut clusters, licorice and the customer-favorite homemade fudge. As a household name in Port A for locals and annual tourists, Winton’s prides itself on giving the small shop experience and quality candies to keep people coming back. You can even order online!
601 S. Alister St., Port Aransas | wintonscandies.com
PIK-NIK Culinary Market + Deli + Wine Bar
The full-scale foodie experience lives at PIK-NIK in Rockport, where patrons can enjoy inspired healthy menu options or shop for quality provisions and produce in store. The Art Moderne building this shop calls home is historic in its own right, and plays host to PIK-NIK’s mission of bringing a premier, accessible culinary experience to its coastal community.
1005 St. Mary’s St., Rockport | @pik_nik.rockport
Bourbon Street Candy Company
Offering over 500 candy varieties, the best way to experience Bourbon Street Candy Company is by grabbing an empty bag and making your way around the shop, scooping out all your favorites to make your own unique blend. Don’t forget to browse the gourmet chocolate cases, which include housemade fudge.
5488 S. Padre Island Drive, Suite 2016 | @bourbonstcandyco.cctx
