Fast-Casual Middle Eastern Eatery Expanding to Carmel Mountain

Expect this to just be the start of Simsim’s expansion. Nawar Miri, its co-founder, president, and CEO, is a veteran of the fast-casual industry, having previously served as corporate director of the Urban Plates chain. Simsim Outstanding Shawarma will open a second location this fall
After getting its start in Clairemont Mesa last fall, Simsim Outstanding Shawarma is heading north to Carmel Mountain. The fast-casual Middle Eastern eatery is announcing a Fall 2019 opening at Carmel Mountain Plaza in a 2,400-square-foot space that will have a modern design and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.
Led by executive chef Ibrahim Alsharief, a native Jordanian who worked at five-star hotels throughout the Middle East, Simsim’s menu is based on classic Arabic cuisine, most specifically shawarma, or meats cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Signatures include carved beef and lamb or carved chicken served wrapped in freshly baked saj bread or atop bowls and salads with a variety of homemade sauces ranging from tahini to roasted tomato and spicy garlic; the new location’s offerings will feature even more meat options. Other Middle East specialities include hummus, baba ghanoush, and baklava.

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