When Texas-based Mediterranean restaurant, Shawarma Press, announced rapid expansion plans across the Lone Star State back in 2021, they weren’t kidding.
The original Shawarma Press, which opened in 2017, is in Irving at 411 E Royal Ln. In December, the brand opened its second location in San Antonio inside of the Walmart at 11210 Potranco Rd. And three more locations are already in the works to open in 2022 – Arlington, Plano and Mansfield. There will be more, no doubt, as the year progresses.
Founded by Sawsan Abublan and husband, Dr. Ehap Sabri, Shawarma Press focuses on offering authentic, freshly prepared Mediterranean food. The menu features shawarma (of course!) but also a variety of wraps, appetizers, salads, home-baked pastries, desserts, and numerous vegan options.
The Arlington eatery will open soon inside of the Walmart at 4801 S Cooper St.
The Plano location is coming to 6001 N US 75-Central Expy 1000, also inside of a Walmart. It was expected to open by the end of 2021, but the date got pushed back. In a statement provided to What Now Dallas, Abublan said the new opening date is tentatively Jan. 22 as all construction is done and they’re just waiting for final inspections to be completed.
Supply chain issues have impacted a lot of restaurants, and businesses in general, but that is not the case for Shawarma Press. “Luckily, we have placed our orders for equipment and supplies ahead of time, therefore we do not have any supply chain issues there,” Abublan said. “As far as the food supply chain, we are in good hands with a major food supplier, who is able to secure all our food items to all locations.”
In speaking of the brand’s San Antonio opening, Abublan stated that the response has been fabulous. “Our Google reviews are an amazing reflection of that. It was a welcome change and customers appreciate the high quality, healthy food options, and the diverse menu choices in size, price, and dietary options (chicken, beef, vegan, and gluten friendly),” she said. “We can’t wait for the Plano location to open!”
While the majority of Shawarma Press franchises will operate inside Walmart stores, the one opening in Mansfield will not. Coming to 3020 E Broad St, that location will tentatively open in May and occupy suite 108 at The Shops at Broad. And Shawarma lovers of Texas can expect more locations like this in the future.
“Our concept is based on standalone restaurants which is the traditional franchise model,” Abublan said, “however our flexible menu and floor plans allow us to open in non-traditional locations like inside food retailers (like Walmart), food halls, and malls, which is exciting for franchisees who are looking for different options.”
Well, wherever Shawarma Press decides to open next, we’re here for it.
