Rice Epicurean Markets, Inc. is wholly owned by founding family members in 1988. Today, each store operated by Rice Epicurean Markets is still merchandised to be in tune with its particular neighborhood. The charge card system with monthly billing, introduced in 1964, remains in effect. The Rice Epicurean concept pays close attention to the regular stock of grocery store items, but special requests, gourmet products and customer service figure prominently in the overall operation. The perishable departments receive special attention, featuring the finest meat, produce, chef prepared salads and entrees, floral departments and European bakery departments. The company operates five Rice Epicurean Markets, which range in size from 25,000 to 42,000 square feet.