Jim Field, owner of Market Bistro, shows off one of the cafes signatures pizzas and the do-it-yourself salad bar, which features six freshly made-on-premises dressings (photo by Jan Jacobson).

    “Others told me I was crazy to try something new for a startup. I found that being true to your concept and serving quality products are most important,” Field said.  He added that the first year was challenging, right after 9/11, and learning how to minimize turnover and to get employees trained.

    “What makes our restaurant successful is we give customers the ability to customize their food order, our employees are friendly and helpful and work to make the dining experience comfortable and you can get a value prices nicer meal in a quick service environment,” Field said.

    He explained that they have kept to their original food concept, having a salad station where you can create your own salad—but unlike traditional salad bars, someone makes it for you. They also added a grill to provide fresh grilled meats for topping salads and for cutting block sandwiches. The freshly grilled selections include chicken, oven roasted turkey, tri-tip steak, pork tenderloin and portabella mushrooms. In addition, Market Bistro offers pizzas.

    The create-your-own salad, in which you can pick from seven fresh toppings, is a customer favorite, as is the traditional Caesar salad with freshly baked Parmesan chips, and the Arizona salad. You can choose from six freshly made-on-premises dressings including whipped balsamic, black mustard seed ranch, citrus basil vinaigrette, raspberry poppy seed vinaigrette, sweet and sour chipotle and Caesar buttermilk.

    Customers find their lunch specials attractive. Choose from the slice of pizza with your choice of a half salad for $6.45 or a half sandwich with half salad for $7.95. At dinnertime, for just $18.95 you can get a pizza of your choice and a full salad for two, served in a stainless serving bowl. Two of the most popular grilled sandwiches are the California turkey and the turkey BLT.

    Pizza choices include pepperoni, vegetarian, sausage, smoked chicken, margherita, the Arizona, the No. 2, and their signature pie, replete with goat cheese, artichoke hearts, oven roasted tomato, baby spinach, mozzarella, parmesan and basil pesto sauce. You can get pizza by the slice at lunchtime.

    Sides are also available after 4 p.m. including chive whipped potatoes, mixed vegetables, mac and cheese, sugar carrots, roasted potatoes, pasta salad and fruit salad. Soups are made fresh daily and are sold by the bowl or with a side salad or half sandwich.  There are smaller portion options for kids under 12.

    The restaurant is casual and an easy choice for singles, groups and families. Sit inside or on the patio or call or fax in your order and pick it up to take home. Customized catering also is offered.

    The Market Bistro is open daily from 11a.m. to 9 p.m. and is located at 777 E. Thunderbird Road. Visit online at www.mktbistro.com.