Interview with Ibrahim Dahleh, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I became involved with the Phoenician Kabob restaurant, shortly after it opened in the Park Hill neighborhood. After a few weeks of partnering with the original owner, I made the decision to take over as sole owner of the Phoenician Kabob. This allowed me the opportunity to take the concept of the restaurant in the direction that best suited my vision of sharing the delectable cuisine I have loved throughout my childhood and adult life. Many of the Phoenician Kabob recipes we create at the are traditional family recipes from the region of Palestine and Lebanon.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: The Phoenician Kabob offers a warm, inviting, family-friendly place to come and experience the authentic cuisine of the Mediterranean, freshly made with the finest ingredients. Our restaurant also has an authentic flatbread oven imported from Lebanon where we make our delicious flatbread pita and stuffed pastries on a daily basis. We embrace the concept of a neighborhood, community restaurant, where all can gather. Our complete bar offers a wide variety of wines, beer and liquor, including a few specialty drinks from the Middle East. The Phoenician Kabob also offers catering for events, large and small. Our diverse menu also offers many options for vegetarians and people with dietary restrictions.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: Opportunities to develop long-standing and new relationships with members of our diverse community, and sharing life-stories and the human experience within an environment that embraces love of good food, family, friends and camaraderie.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Aside from being consistent with our food offerings, getting my staff to be creative by introducing new daily specials and an assortment of in-house desserts.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: We do not advertise at all (but have nothing against advertising). Our only advertisement is helping our community by donating food to different causes.
Profile
Business: Phoenician Kabob
Address: 5709 E. Colfax Ave.
Hours: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday
Founded: 2009
Contact: 303-355-7213
Employees: 11
