Habibi’s Shawarma in west Little Rock celebrated its ribbon-cutting on Tuesday, July 14. Co-owner Fahad Abuhammur said he looks forward to providing the local community with fresh, tasty Middle Eastern fare.

“Little Rock deserves some good shawarma, shawarma made with love. That’s what it’s all about,” he said. “Our shawarma is unique. The city deserves something like this.”

He added that he was encouraged by the response to the fast-casual eatery’s soft opening. He and his partner, Amire Abed, founded Habibi’s after traveling around the world, speaking with chefs and sampling regional cuisine, which allowed them to incorporate what they consider the best flavors into the menu.

“‘Habibi’ is a term we use very frequently,” Abed said. “It can go from my love, my dear, my friend, a neighbor, so it’s a special word that we use very often. That’s why what we say is, ‘Come as a stranger, and leave as a habibi.’” 

Abuhammur previously told AY About You that he hopes to open two additional locations in central Arkansas by the end of the year. Situated at 15112 Chenal Parkway, Habibi’s offers shawarma sandwiches, rice bowls, salads, falafel, hummus and more, as well as sweets, shakes and homemade drinks. 

Feature Photo by Sarah DeClerk
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