Shawarma Press® Announces Collaboration with Zalatimo Sweets to Introduce New Premium Dessert Line Impress' La Desserts™

IRVING, Texas, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --  Shawarma Press, the nation's first authentic Shawarma franchise, announced an exclusive collaboration with Zalatimo Sweets, the heritage and renowned Middle Eastern confectioner founded in Jerusalem in 1860. A new premium dessert line Impress' La Desserts is launching immediately at participating Shawarma Press locations and includes Assorted Traditional Baklava and Assorted Traditional Maamoul Cookies. The two signature assortments are hand crafted by Zalatimo Sweets and presented in elegant gift packaging just in time for the holidays. Shawarma Press CEO and co-founder Sawsan Abublan said the launch not only elevates the brand's dessert offerings but also strengthens Shawarma Press's position as an industry innovator.

"Today's guests are looking for flexibility and treats they can enjoy as snacks, desserts, or even on the go," said Abublan. "That's why the new Impress' La Desserts line is designed to be versatile. Whether it's a gift box of Baklava, Maamoul cookies to share, or a quick indulgence between meals, these items fit seamlessly into our guests' everyday lives."

Abdallah Zalatimo, the chairman and fifth generation family member to oversee the globally recognized brand added, "Our partnership with Shawarma Press brings the heritage of our handcrafted Maamoul cookies and baklava to new audiences in the United States. We're proud to collaborate with a brand that shares our commitment to authenticity, ingredients, and artisanal excellence."

Exclusive to Shawarma Press, the Assorted Traditional Baklava includes a variety of baklava types, each with a delectable combination of nuts, honey, and phyllo pastry. The rich flavors of walnuts, pistachios, and other premium nuts are artfully layered and sweetened with natural honey. The Assorted Traditional Maamoul Cookies celebrate beloved Middle East flavors with tender, crumbly semolina dough encasing dates, walnuts, or pistachio fillings.

Abublan noted the two featured items mark the beginning of the collaboration with the expansion of additional varieties planned for the future. In addition to the Impress' La Desserts line, Shawarma Press is also introducing its own signature dessert innovation, the Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Ice Cream. Prepared with homemade pistachio ice cream and mixed with crispy kataifi and drizzled with premium chocolate, Shawarma Press is among the first U.S. restaurant chains to feature their creative take on the viral dessert.

"The Dubai Chocolate trend is all about indulgence and creativity, and we wanted to put our authentic Shawarma Press twist on it," explained Abublan. "Our Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Ice Cream is more than just dessert—it's a unique cultural experience that's quickly becoming a guest favorite."

Since opening the nation's first authentic Shawarma franchise with headquarters in Irving, Texas in 2017, Shawarma Press franchises have expanded throughout Texas in Arlington, Denton, Frisco, Georgetown, Plano, and San Antonio. The brand's flagship restaurant thrives in the downtown Dallas Arts District while the first of several planned Georgia restaurants opened last year in the metropolitan Atlanta community of Johns Creek, followed by a recently opened digital kitchen in Midtown. The brand offers traditional Mediterranean items such as Shawarma wraps, made-from-scratch falafels, hummus, and fresh soups, salads, and pastries, but is continually making a mark within the industry by introducing new, exciting fusion dishes to the menu.

ABOUT SHAWARMA PRESS

Award-winning Shawarma Press is the nation's first authentic Shawarma franchise. The brand is recognized as one of the Top 100 Movers & Shakers in the restaurant industry and is the winner of multiple Stevie® Awards, highlighting its rapid growth, creative menu development, and leadership in bringing authentic Mediterranean flavors to mainstream audiences. Shawarma Press plans to open as many as 50 locations throughout the country in the next five years. For information about franchising, visit https://shawarmapressfranchise.com

ABOUT ZALATIMO SWEETS

Founded in 1860 in the Old City of Jerusalem, Zalatimo Sweets is a family-owned confectioner renowned for handcrafted Middle Eastern pastries—including maamoul and baklava—made with premium ingredients and time-honored recipes. The brand has grown from a single shop to an internationally recognized name celebrated for quality, authenticity, and craftsmanship. For more information, visit www.Zalatimosweets.com.

Contact: Shawarma Press Media Team

Phone: (877) 776-0250

SOURCE Shawarma Press