The Downtowners – Amir Mabrouk, owner of Green Olive Market Place
October 31st, 2024
Meet Amir Mabrouk, the owner of Green Olive Market Place — a specialty market he describes as “a family-run New York-style bodega” that’s in the heart of Downtown West Palm Beach. A native South Floridian, Mabrouk was born in Hollywood and attended Palm Beach State College. He has extensive experience in the hospitality, customer service and marketing industries, having applied his skills in everything from luxury hotels and busy nightclubs to specialty supermarkets, eateries and local tourism. He has lived and worked in San Francisco and Las Vegas but believes that Downtown West Palm Beach offers a myriad of benefits and amenities that can’t be matched anywhere else in the world.
How did you end up in Downtown West Palm Beach?
I’ve always been involved in customer service and hospitality. I’m sure I get that from my father because he spent his entire career in the same industry before retiring not long ago from his full-time job. A few years ago, while I was working for a major resort hotel, I decided it was time to use my diversified experience and skillset to open my own business. I looked all over South Florida to find the ideal spot and concluded that it had to be in Downtown West Palm Beach. In Downtown West Palm Beach, I discovered the perfect blend of cultural attractions, world-class restaurants, and breathtaking scenery. From the moment we opened Green Olive Market Place, we’ve been embraced by the community. I’d like to think it’s because we put such a premium on providing a combination of superb customer service and top-notch products. And I love that my father now has the time to help run the store with me. We have such a great family atmosphere, and we consider our customers like family too.
How do you have fun in Downtown West Palm Beach?
I’m a very active and athletic guy. I hit the gym and play basketball regularly — so that helps me build up quite an appetite! Fortunately for me, there’s no shortage of great spots all within walking distance of our market. When I’m in the mood for pizza or great sandwiches, Hot Pie Pizza is like a block away and we can watch sports on the TVs. For Mexican food, there’s Rivales Taqueria and Craft Bar, which is also a block away. When I want to relax with friends and have some wine and small bites, we often head to The Blind Monk. These three restaurants are just a few of the examples of the literally dozens of great places that are nearby. I wish I could list them all!
How have you seen Downtown West Palm Beach evolve since you’ve been here?
Downtown West Palm Beach has always been popular. But since the pandemic it has exploded because so many people from up north decided to move here to live and/or work Downtown. There’s so much new construction both happening now and on the horizon. I can’t wait to see what the future holds — because I envision it only getting better!