Ayat NYC has closed its Staten Island location, where Mayor Zohran Mamdani once visited during a borough campaign tour. The popular Palestinian restaurant group was founded by husband-and-wife duo Abdul Elenani and Ayat Masoud. The eatery was located at 2018 Hylan Blvd. in Dongan Hills and was known for shawarma, kebabs, falafel, and wood-fired creative pizzas. Elenani said via text, “We enjoyed being in Staten Island while it lasted.” Ayat Staten Island was one of seven NYC locations. The brand currently operates in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, with other locations in Princeton, Washington, D.C., and Dallas. First established in Bay Ridge in 2020, Ayat was recognized, but not starred, by Michelin in 2024. The New York Times highlighted its family recipes, community focus, and perseverance amid political controversies and online backlash.
