Tomato Oreos, Texas steak Lay's chips, and Chinese Orange Fanta are just some of the unusual treats and offerings people can find at the family-owned newest exotic snack and wellness shop that opened in Lubbock this week.
Ben Jordan and Hayden Meek, relatives and owners of Mellow Market, have gained notoriety via social media through their inventory preview box breaks and taste tests in the green-and-yellow shop. The two detailed how they came up with the idea for a gaming hangout-snack shop, and what shoppers can expect now that it is ready to wow customers.
What is Mellow Market Lubbock?
The idea for the snack shop started on Thanksgiving last year, when Ben Jordan approached Hayden Meek with the idea to create a space where people could hang out and play retro games. This
hangout needed an additional draw.
“It was months of waiting for the right idea and space to come along, and then it all happened very quickly,” Jordan said.
The space, formerly Colorado Vape, arrived first. The international snack idea came soon after, when Jordan scrolled through social media and saw trending snacks.
“We’ve been through many different iterations of what it looks like, but what it really boils down to is (that) we wanted to just have a place for the community,” Meek said.
The duo has started to become popular on social media for their ‘box break’ videos, where they open product boxes and try what’s inside. Jordan, who has done content creation in various forms for decades, said this is part of the strategy for Mellow Market. The iconic yellow and green background and entertaining videos have already drawn in customers, and led Meek to be recognized around town.
“We instantly realized that there was a chemistry that we had, and then it evolved it into the box breaks," Jordan said. “You can genuinely feel our excitement about what we're doing, and (how we are) being blown away by some of these flavors. It feels like Christmas.”
Where is Mellow Market Lubbock?
The newly opened market is at 3833 50th St. #2, formerly Colorado Vape and Glass Co.
When is Mellow Market Lubbock open?
Store hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. every day.
What does Mellow Market Lubbock offer?
While the inventory of Mellow Market is a mix of international snacks and drinks, people will see familiar brands, including Oreos and Red Bull. During the "box break" videos, Jordan and Meek discovered some must-try items.
One that particularly stood out to Jordan was the cheese Oreos, which tasted like cheese. Both agreed the drinks section has been surprisingly popular.
“One thing that we noticed with the orange Fanta is the American or the domestic version, there's like a like an oiliness or like a texture that's left behind after you drink it, and I don't think we've ever really noticed it before until we tried the Chinese Fanta,” Meek said. “We’ve also found that a lot of the imported drinks aren't carbonated to such a high degree, or they're not as sweet, so everything is just - it's different, and a lot of times I'll say it's better, or a break from the norm.”
Knowing that so many flavor options might be overwhelming to people, Haven Niland, an assistant professor at Texas Tech and Meek’s wife, came up with the idea of making themed mystery bags. The owners recommend people start with a mystery bag if they aren’t sure what to pick.
“I would recommend a mystery bag just to kind of dip your toes in the water,” Jordan said. “It’s probably our most popular thing so far. Be prepared for wacky when you open the bag. I would also say any of the Lay’s chips, they do not let you down.”
Meek also recommended the Red Bull selection, which has more taurine and less caffeine than the local versions, and the spicy crawfish chips.
Niland said the market will have a way to encourage people to try snacks from around the world. This will be done through the rewards program, which is in the process. Customers will provide their phone number for rewards, and it will show a passport with stamps to show which region’s snacks the customer has tried so far.
Another part of the market has wellness products, specifically mushroom extracts and herbs. Products include Blue Lotus, loose-leaf tea, lion’s mane mushroom extract, ashwagandha, and mugwort. It is a growing product line.
Jordan and Meek also encourage customers to reach out with suggestions on what to stock, even if it is not an international item.
“We want the community to tell us what they want to buy,” Meek said. “Our niche is whatever your niche is.”
Mellow Market hopes to host events in the future, such as video game tournaments and other game nights
“I wanted it to feel like you’re coming to hang out at somebody’s house, but they have the coolest snacks you could think of," Jordan said. "Come hang out and play Pac-Man or whatever, listen to music and try our snacks."
The business is seeking more local vendors and artists to fill the shelves. It already has Professor Pickle and Mrs. Spice products.
“We are actively looking for people in the community, whether it's artwork or products, whatever the case may be," Jordan said. “We want to be that spot that if you're looking for a spot for people to come in and find your stuff, other than farmers markets. We’d love to talk to you.”
Potential vendors, and customers, can reach out through social media, email mellowmarketlbk@gmail.com or visit in person. People can keep up with Mellow Market at mellowmarketlbk.com, or through social media on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Alana Edgin writes about business for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Got a news tip? Contact her via email at aedgin@lubbockonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Mellow Market becomes newest international snack shop in Lubbock
