Exciting News for Westport: Jerusalem Cafe Expands Its Reach!
Westport locals, get ready to indulge your taste buds! The beloved Jerusalem Cafe is expanding its horizons, bringing the rich and delicious flavors of Mediterranean and Greek cuisine back to Johnson County. That’s right! This cherished family-owned restaurant is making big moves with not just one, but two new locations in Kansas City and plans for some tasty spots in Missouri come 2025.
A Warm Welcome for Jerusalem Cafe on the Go
This week, the hustle and bustle of Overland Park received a fresh addition as Jerusalem Cafe on the Go softly opened at the deli inside World Fresh Market, located at 10303 Metcalf Ave. This nifty spot offers a range of delicious items that customers can order made-to-order or grab prepackaged for your convenience. Sarah Saber, the operations manager for World Fresh Market, couldn’t be more thrilled about this new partnership.
“I grew up on Jerusalem Cafe,” Saber expressed. “This makes it so accessible to Johnson County. Plus, it’s like a one-stop shop for folks who need groceries and a quick dinner on the way home!” How convenient is that?
Making Overland Park Even Tastier
But that’s not all! The Jerusalem Cafe team is also taking over the former Tortilla Ranch Mexican Grill space at 6029 Metcalf Ave. in Mission, with plans for a March opening. This new spot promises to be a quick-serve operation, allowing customers to preload their orders or order right at the counter. The best part? Diners can enjoy their meals table-side, just like they do at the Westport location.
Unfortunately, Tortilla Ranch recently closed its doors after just two years, citing that it couldn’t keep up with the demands of its College Boulevard location. As one door closes, another opens, and it seems Jerusalem Cafe is eager to fill that gap with delicious Mediterranean options.
Looking Beyond the State Line
Owner Adam Alazzeh is on a roll, with plans to expand further into Missouri. The Alazzeh family is scouting locations in Belton, Raymore, and south Kansas City for new cafes set to open in 2025. That’s right, Missouri residents, it looks like there’s a culinary treat coming your way!
To keep those tasty dishes consistent and infused with love, the family is constructing a new commissary in Independence where they will begin making everything from pita bread to baklava and manakeesh themselves. Adam assures customers, “We focus on consistency and great service. You are getting the same thing every time.” The secret to great hummus? Follow the family recipe to the letter! Now that’s a commitment we can all appreciate!
Delightful Dishes to Satisfy Any Craving
What’s on the menu, you ask? Expect to find a delightful array of dishes like gyros, shawarma, hummus, falafels, kebabs, curry chicken, salads, and sandwiches. Don’t forget to try their famous manakeesh flatbreads, which can be topped with a variety of flavors that will leave your taste buds tingling!
The Jerusalem Cafe story is rich, with roots tracing back to when Adam’s father opened the Westport Sizzler in 1990. Their Mediterranean fare quickly outshined American dishes, leading to a rebranding that we all know and love today. Can you believe they once had eight locations? While they pulled out of Johnson County in 2008, the recent expansion clearly shows a strong comeback!
A Family Legacy Continues
This revitalization is very much in line with the family business ethos. Adam’s brother also made waves in the dining scene with the opening of Chick-in Waffle, which has been successful not just in Kansas City but even in Prescott, Arizona!
So keep an eye out, Westport and Johnson County! With Jerusalem Cafe expanding both here and across the state line, you won’t want to miss the chance to enjoy all of these amazing Mediterranean flavors. The next foodie destination might just be around the corner!
