Shawarma Press® Expands Footprint in Atlanta With Digital Kitchen at Forrest Eatery in Midtown

Popular Mediterranean Franchise Opening First Week of March

ATLANTA, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- When Shawarma Press, the nation's first authentic Shawarma franchise, opened its first location in Georgia last year in Johns Creek, owner Sabri Sabri was already scouting metropolitan Atlanta for a second location. With the rising popularity of Mediterranean cuisine that has grown from a niche food trend to a global staple in the fast casual industry, Sabri wanted to introduce the bold and flavorful Shawarma Press menu offerings to a wider swath of the Atlanta area. After exploring several brick-and mortar options, he pivoted to the up and coming "Digital Kitchen" concept located at Forrest Eatery in Midtown Atlanta.

"This location in Midtown and Howell Mill is an excellent fit for our brand," said Sabri. "Our Johns Creek restaurant has been performing exceptionally well, so we wanted to expand into Midtown to capitalize on the vibrant community and its preference for convenience especially when it comes to catering and third-party deliveries. With major universities nearby, along with numerous corporations' headquarters, and other commercial and residential properties, we're excited to introduce the area to our delicious and healthy menu offerings."

Located at 800 Forrest Street NW, Shawarma Press will join approximately 20 Atlanta concepts at Forrest Eatery, now recognized as Midtown's hottest restaurant hub. The Shawarma Press digital kitchen enhances the online experience by processing orders efficiently and notifying customers and drivers via text when their order is ready for pick-up. Orders are placed in lockers that will only open with a specific code that is included in the pick-up notification. Customers can also place their order at the Eatery's lobby via order Kiosks. The facility has several robots that assist in delivering orders to the appropriate lockers, adding a high-tech touch to this unique location. The Forrest Eatery digital kitchen marks the tenth location for Shawarma Press, which operates franchise restaurants across Texas and now in Georgia.

"Midtown is the second-largest business district in Metro Atlanta, so we are excited about opening this location," said Sawsan Abublan, co-founder and CEO of Shawarma Press. "At all of our restaurants, at least 50 percent of the orders are placed online or on our app, so a digital kitchen makes sense for us in Midtown, which is heavily dependent on third party delivery partners."

Shawarma Press is expected to open at Forrest Eatery the first week of March with a menu that features delectable Shawarma wraps made with all-natural chicken and premium beef, made-from-scratch falafels and hummus, and fresh soups, salads, bowls, and pastries. Customer favorites include the "world famous" freshly made hummus as well as wraps to please all taste buds, including the traditional Chicken Shawarma, the spicy Tandoori Press™ Shawarma, and the popular fusion Tex-Mex Press™ Shawarma. Hours of operation will be from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Customers can place delivery orders using their favorite delivery app, or earn loyalty rewards by placing orders using the Shawarma Press App.

Sabri added that catering packages with attractive party platters are available for events year-around, including office parties, luncheons, sporting events, weddings, and more.

"We are eager to grow our reputation in Midtown as the go-to place for outstanding Mediterranean food," he said.

Since opening the nation's first authentic Shawarma franchise in Irving in 2017, Shawarma Press franchises have expanded throughout Texas in Arlington, 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. Shawarma Press co-founder and CEO Sawsan Abublan said additional locations are currently in various stages of development, including plans for a third location in the Peach State.

"We're pleased that our strategic growth plan is allowing us to expand with traditional brick-and-mortar locations as well as non-traditional options such as the digital spot in Midtown," Abublan said. "With more customers everywhere clamoring for the fresh, flavorful Mediterranean food, we are well positioned to offer more franchise opportunities nationwide."

ABOUT SHAWARMA PRESS
Since opening the first restaurant at its headquarters in Irving, Texas, in 2017, award-winning Shawarma Press is the nation's first authentic shawarma franchise. The company stands true to its core values of Social Responsibility, Integrity, Trustworthiness, and Excellence and has donated more than 20,000 meals to homeless shelters and non-profit organizations.

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/

Contact: Shawarma Press Media Team
Phone: (877) 776-0250

SOURCE Shawarma Press