This south Kansas City restaurant space has served various cuisines over recent years – southern comfort foods, empanadas, Mediterranean and more. Now it’s going to pivot and serve Lebanese cuisine.
Now a Lebanese family is downsizing the venue (13135 State Line Road) and refreshing it for Al Beik Lebanese Restaurant.
The owners – a married couple, Diana Ammar and Saleem Fahda, and Saleem’s brother Ahmad Fahda – hope to open by the end of the year or in early 2025.
The brothers’ father ran a food operation at Lebanese University that served 1,000 students. Ammar, also originally from Lebanon, has chefs in her family, too – her mother and uncle.
“And she’s a good cook,” Saleem says. “It was our way of life. We grew up with it.”
They will use longtime family recipes, as well as some new ones. The menu is still in the works but will include shawarma, charbroiled kebabs, hummus, tabouleh, falafel and more.
“We love food and we just wanted to have a place in this area that brings the true Lebanese flavors here,” Ammar says. “For anyone, ex-pats who want to feel like home or for anyone who wants to enjoy the authentic Lebanese flavors. We are here.”
Southern Kitchen KC had operated in the spot but closed in March 2023. Gianni’s Italian Restaurant opened in November 2023 but closed after a few months, according to the landlord.
