Ace Mart Restaurant Supply, the one that used to be just west of downtown, has now reopened at the former Bealls, across South Congress from the H-E-B at Oltorf. It’s been open all month long, but each day more stock arrives and today the Web site reflects that the opening is official.

I’ve already been by once and picked up some items. Weekday hours are from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm; Saturday hours are from 9 am to 2 pm. I didn’t find the manager when I was there, but others have done so and report that the grand opening will be Friday and Saturday, August 18 and 19, with various factory representatives there and demonstrations scheduled. The rumor is that everything in the store will be discounted by 10% on those two days.

Ace Mart is well worth a visit at any time, for any cook or party-giver, professional or not. Ace Mart is where to find heavy-duty aluminum foil on the biggest rolls produced. Serveware in massive quantities is another bargain. Head here when your friends are setting up housekeeping with a new partner or in a new location and you need ideas for housewarming presents.

Someday I will decide which is my favorite straw dispenser, and Ace Mart will sell it to me. We’ve bought a lot of Fiesta dishes here; although Ace Mart won’t sell open stock these days, anyone buying in multiples of a dozen will find good prices and a good selection here. The same’s true for the semi-equivalent bright Cantina china by Syracuse. This is a fine place to acquire sets of classic Libbey Gibraltar drinking glasses and barware. Stacking chairs of good quality and at good prices? They’re at Ace Mart. If you love your tabletop and kitchen or shop for those who feel the same way about theirs, Ace Mart will become a favorite haunt. I’m so glad it’s open again.