We’re thrilled to soon welcome Marithyme, a new Mediterranean café by world traveler and culinary entrepreneur Rony Khoury, to the Center Building community in downtown Alpena!
Rony will bring a rich background in international business and a deep love for authentic food. Originally from Beirut, Lebanon, he has lived and worked across the globe—in Jordan, Myanmar, Ghana, and Washington, D.C., to name a few—building his career in fashion and logistics before turning his passion for cooking into a full-fledged business. While living abroad, Rony began recreating the flavors of home, learning traditional Lebanese recipes from his mother over long-distance calls, and eventually launching food ventures of his own.
His first U.S.-based food project, Thyme at the Point, launched in 2023 in Tawas Point State Park and quickly became a seasonal favorite for its bold flavors and welcoming vibe. That successful venture will grow into Marithyme, a year-round café here in Alpena that will blend Mediterranean culinary tradition with a curated selection of local and imported goods.
What to Expect from Marithyme
Located at the rear entrance of the Center Building, Marithyme will offer a vibrant grab-and-go menu of traditional Mediterranean fare, including:
- Zaatar croissants and flatbreads
Signature breakfast dishes featuring zaatar, olive oil, and herbs
House-made dips, wraps, and seasonal specials
Fresh, wholesome catering options (available with advance notice)
In addition to food, Marithyme will feature a small boutique section with artisan goods—offering handpicked Mediterranean spices, locally made charcuterie boards and crafts, and select items from Middle Eastern designers and makers.
More Than a Café
Rony is also the owner of Gen Zaatar, a wholesaler of Mediterranean food products. While the two businesses will remain separate, they will reflect his growing investment in sharing the tastes and culture of his home region.
Opening Later in September
Marithyme will open in September. Stay tuned for sneak peeks, featured dishes, and the official opening day announcement. Follow their Facebook page for updates, and get ready to experience a new kind of Mediterranean flavor—right in the heart of downtown Alpena.
