Kebab Shack aims to bring Mediterranean flavors to Springfield
The Kebab Shack, from the owners of MacCheesy's, is looking to bring Mediterranean-inspired food to Springfield. The News-Leader sat down with Sherif A. Magd and Sophia Hamid to talk more about the upcoming restaurant.
Why kebabs?
Magd has wanted to open a Mediterranean restaurant for a while — kebabs are his go-to food when he travels overseas, because he knows he can get a meal that's "healthy without compromising flavor."
"I love kebabs, chicken and rice. It’s a balanced meal," Magd said. "I don’t know if you’ve heard, but Mediterranean cuisine is one of the healthiest."
According to a review of previous studies, published in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation Research, the Mediterranean diet is associated with better cardiovascular health outcomes. The diet itself emphasizes plant-based food and healthy fats, says the Cleveland Clinic.
Customers can choose from chicken, filet mignon or vegetable kebabs, but the Kebab Shack will serve more than just its namesake: Their menu also includes falafel, gyros and shawarma, which is thinly sliced roasted meat. Those dishes can be ordered as a plate with rice, baladi salad (diced tomato, onion and cucumber); as a rice bowl; or on top of a salad. The restaurant also offers wraps.
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Why Springfield?
Magd attended school at Missouri State University. Springfield, in addition to checking all the metaphorical boxes for a restaurant to succeed, is special to him.
"I just hold this love of Springfield. I think it’s the perfect sized city for bringing this new concept and it has enough diversity but also has different genres of food," Magd said.
"Springfield is just — I love this city. I’ve had my best years here," he added.
Magd and Hamid hope to have the restaurant open by mid- to late November.
What should customers try?
Hamid recommends the chicken shawarma rice bowl, but sometimes she gets it over fries. Magd enjoys the "mixed grill" plate — both chicken and beef kebabs — which he describes as "nice and balanced." He also came up with his own wrap, which features both chicken shawarma and falafel with vegetables and garlic sauce.
Both agree that the garlic sauce is a must-try on whatever people order.
“We’ll have this creamy garlic sauce,” Magd said.
“I’m obsessed," Hamid added. "I could like, drink it.”
What about MacCheesy's and The Dirty Potato?
MacCheesy's and its virtual kitchen, The Dirty Potato, will continue to operate and expand. MacCheesy's is known for its decadent mac 'n' cheese. The Dirty Potato puts a new spin on "loaded baked potato," piling everything from Cajun shrimp to burnt ends to Buffalo chicken on spuds.
Magd said the mac 'n' cheese restaurant would be opening locations in Kansas City and northwest Arkansas, and that they are looking at a Branson location, as well.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: What to know about The Kebab Shack coming to Springfield
