Downtown Raleigh Mediterranean restaurant shuts down. What will replace it
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Pita Bowl replaces Shish Kabob at City Plaza and will focus on takeout service.
- Founder Omar Dakdouk grows the brand to a third location, mixing Mediterranean flavors.
- Menu centers on build-your-own bowls and pitas — bowls start at $14.
A small Mediterranean restaurant in downtown Raleigh has shut down, but a new concept will soon replace it.
Shish Kabob, located in one of the four window-encased buildings at City Plaza on Fayetteville Street, has closed. It was one of the first tenants to occupy the glass pavilions, along with Krispy Kreme, Jimmy John’s and an art gallery, when City Plaza opened in 2009, The News & Observer reported at the time.
Taking its place is a fast-casual restaurant called Pita Bowl, which markets itself as an “eclectic kitchen,” founder Omar Dakdouk told The N&O in a call.
“We can kind of play around with a lot of different flavors,” Dakdouk said. “We’re not just stuck to just being Mediterranean.”
Pita Bowl will join Jimmy John’s, Fire Wok and Veloce Italian Market in the small glass buildings at City Plaza.
Pita Bowl replaces Shish Kabob
Dakdouk, who previously worked at Shish Kabob, founded the company in 2020. Its first location, on Leesville Road, is in a former Shish Kabob. The Mediterranean restaurant was co-owned by Sam Yehia, who also owned downtown Raleigh’s Sam & Wally’s.
A few months ago, the Shish Kabob owner invited Dakdouk to take over the downtown Raleigh location, because he wanted to retire from the restaurant industry, Dakdouk said.
Pita Bowl expects to soft open in mid-February and hold a grand opening in early March, but that timeline could shift, Dakdouk said.
It will be the third Pita Bowl, joining the restaurant on Leesville Road and another off Blue Ridge Road at Lake Boone Trail.
Pita Bowl menu
The restaurant serves build-your-own bowls and pita sandwiches or wraps.
With bowls, customers choose a base of rice, lettuce, chickpeas or french fries, and add proteins and toppings. While the offerings mostly center around Mediterranean ingredients — such as chicken and beef shawarma, and shaved lamb — Pita Bowl also has jerk chicken and chimichurri grilled steak.
The “eclectic” menu is a nod to Dakdouk’s background and time spent living in Lebanon, Venezuela, California and New York.
Sandwiches can be customized with a protein and fillings including vegetables, hummus, cheese and sauces.
Bowls start at $14, and sandwiches start at $10.
There won’t be any seating at the downtown Raleigh location, but it will offer takeout for lunch and dinner crowds. Online ordering will be available.
