ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A popular fast-casual concept is nearing completion of its new home in a Lehigh County shopping center.
Zahra, a Middle Eastern/Mediterranean concept and sister business of Allentown’s Aladdin Restaurant, is expected to reopen at its new location in mid-March at 323 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. in Allentown, owner Samantha Younes told 69 News this week.
The Shops at Cedar Point spot was previously home to a Red Wing Shoes store, and renovations including new flooring, lighting, kitchen equipment and more have taken place over the past several months.
Younes previously operated Zahra for more than five years at the former Downtown Allentown Market, which closed last spring on downtown Allentown’s ArtsWalk, between Sixth and Seventh streets.
The concept was an immediate hit, drawing large crowds and rave reviews, and Zahra ultimately became the only business to operate throughout the now-closed market’s entire duration.
Younes was not deterred by the Downtown Allentown Market’s closure, announcing in April that she planned to reopen Zahra at another location in the city.
Zahra
“I’m beyond excited,” Younes said.
“I love Allentown. I grew up in Allentown. And I knew that I wanted to keep Zahra in Allentown, but I was pretty choosy about picking my next spot. April 17 was Zahra’s last day in downtown Allentown, and I really took my time in finding the perfect next spot, and I think this is it. It’s along a major roadway near Cedar Crest College, Dorney Park and a ton of medical offices and residential homes. There’s also a huge parking lot.”
Zahra’s forthcoming location, with dining room seating for around 30 guests, will operate next to Pho*Nom1nal Vietnamese Cuisine in The Shops at Cedar Point.
The shopping center, which is also home to other foodie hot spots such as Menchie’s, Pines Dinner Theatre and Bamboo Asian Cuisine & Sushi Bar, is located along a busy stretch of Cedar Crest Boulevard, just south of the Hamilton Boulevard Bypass.
Takeout and catering also will be available, and delivery will be offered through Grubhub and other third-party delivery platforms, Younes said.
Younes is excited to operate Zahra alongside other great businesses in a highly visible shopping plaza.
During Zahra’s time in downtown Allentown, parking and visibility issues proved challenging as the Downtown Allentown Market was tucked away a bit on the ArtsWalk, Younes said.
“Not only is there plenty of free parking, it’s also located along a heavily traveled road,” Younes said in regard Zahra’s new spot.
“A lot of people have told me, ‘That’s right near my house’ or ‘That’s right near my job.’ So, I think it’ll be a good fit for sure.”
Zahra’s menu highlights include wraps and bowls such as chicken shawarma, steak shawarma, falafel and zahra (fried cauliflower); dips such as hummus and babaganouj; sides such as zaatar fries and sumac fries; and desserts such as baklava and chocolate halva.
The menu for Zahra’s new location is still being finalized, but individuals can expect all of the eatery’s familiar favorites along with some new additions, Younes said.
Zahra offers made-from-scratch falafel.
Zahra
Customers will be able to order 8- and 10-inch signature bowls with rice or salad as a base, Younes said.
“There will be a bunch of pre-set selections, but they’ll definitely be customizable,” Younes explained.
“It won’t be like a Chipotle ordering set-up, but if someone doesn’t want a certain ingredient or they want to add something or they want to swap something for something else, they’ll be able to do that easily. We’ll also have homemade desserts like baklava along with specialty drinks such as Turkish coffee and Middle Eastern teas.”
Zahra is a sister business of Allentown’s Aladdin restaurant, which Younes’ family has owned and operated since 1981.
The full-service dining establishment was established in 1981 on Second Street before the Youneses moved it to its current spot on Union Boulevard in 1999.
For the latest Zahra updates, follow the business’ pages on Facebook and Instagram.