Jerusalem Cafe Expands to Johnson County: A Taste of the Mediterranean Awaits!
Mission, Kansas, is buzzing with excitement! It’s been announced that the beloved Jerusalem Cafe, a favorite Mediterranean restaurant that has been delighting the taste buds of the Kansas City area for a whopping 35 years, is set to open a brand-new location right at 6029 Metcalf Ave. Yes, you read that right! This expansive new space aims to bring all of the mouthwatering flavors we’ve come to know and love right to Mission’s dining scene.
A Little Bit of History
If you’re not familiar, Jerusalem Cafe started out as the Westport Sizzler back in 1989, thanks to the vision of Awni Alazzeh’s uncle. It wasn’t long before the restaurant rebranded as Jerusalem Cafe, and since then, it has become a staple for Mediterranean cuisine enthusiasts. Over the years, folks in the area have enjoyed classic dishes like gyros, falafel, and shawarma, but the Alazzehs aren’t stopping there.
Mission’s Former Hot Spot
Jerusalem Cafe will be taking over the former location of Tortilla Ranch, which closed down its Mission restaurant just a couple of months ago. This means that the new location isn’t just a random choice; it comes with a history of good food, and locals are ready for a fresh taste of the Mediterranean!
New Beginnings in Johnson County
Awni Alazzeh, who runs the family-owned business, mentioned how thrilled they are to be expanding back into Johnson County. He sees this as a chance to reconnect with long-time customers and introduce delicious Mediterranean dishes to new diners. “The exciting part is also just being able to reach more customers or long-time customers,” Alazzeh expressed with enthusiasm. “Even customers that may have not even been familiar with us beforehand.”
Hands-on Dining Experience
The full-sized restaurant is expected to open by this spring or summer, and we can hardly contain our excitement! You can look forward to a cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy all those Mediterranean delicacies, but if you can’t wait that long, here’s some good news: Jerusalem Cafe recently opened a quick-service spot inside the World Fresh Market, which can be found at 10303 Metcalf Ave in Overland Park. Now you can grab your favorite meals on the go while shopping for international goodies!
Plans for More!
But wait, there’s more! The Alazzeh family has bigger dreams. According to Awni, they are eyeing opportunities to open more locations on both sides of the state line. “I think we have the mindset of opening hopefully tons and tons more after that,” he said. Imagine more opportunities to place your orders for tasty hummus platters or dig into sensational shawarma!
Bringing Back Familiar Tastes
Despite having closed several locations during the recession in 2008, the spirit of Jerusalem Cafe continues to thrive. The upcoming Mission location marks a significant homecoming for the restaurant, and they hope to rekindle fond memories for diners who missed their dishes.
Mark Your Calendars!
So, put a little star on your calendar and get ready for the grand opening of Jerusalem Cafe in Mission! Whether you’re a longtime fan or a rookie to Mediterranean flavors, you’re in for a treat. Exploring the menu at this new spot promises a delicious adventure for your taste buds! The countdown is on—deliciousness is just around the corner!
