by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
There’s a new name on the door, but the same University of Florida flag flying outside. There are new faces behind the counter, but the same faces in the kitchen. There are some new items on the menu, but the selections that have proven to be the most popular remain.
That’s the story behind “What’s Good Downtown” at East Bay and Liberty streets. There has been a breakfast and lunch shop at that address since 2002 when Kamal Farah moved his operation there from Laura and Monroe streets. Farah decided to sell the restaurant a few months ago, about the same time the Oweis family decided it was time to start a family business after years working for other people in food service.
Maha Oweis has been in the business for more than 20 years, most of that time at Farah’s Gazebo on University Boulevard near Jacksonville University. Her son, Nader, has worked in restaurants for eight of his 24 years.
“Kamal Farah built a great business here,” he said.
The restaurant has received a bit of a facelift, with refinished floors and Oweis family travel pictures decorating the walls. The menu items that were most popular with customers remain and the Oweises have added a variety of Mediterranean specialties, including tabouli, hummus and stuffed grape leaves. Traditional sandwiches, burgers and French fries still dominate the permanent lunch menu and several daily specials are written on the board behind the counter, including the grouper platter every Thursday and Friday.
“We understand that a lot of people don’t have an hour for lunch every day, so we make sure our service is fast,” said Oweis. “If you don’t have time to sit down and eat in our dining room, you can get what you want to go in a few minutes.”
His biggest change has been getting out of the kitchen and in front of customers who come in for breakfast and lunch. “It has taken some getting used to, owning instead of clocking in and clocking out,” he said. In just a few weeks, he has come to know many of the customers who have been patronizing the restaurant for years.
“Being at the corner of Bay and Liberty streets is a ridiculously good location. I have met so many good people – judges, police officers, attorneys, people who work at the Courthouse and people who live at The Plaza,” he said.
After 2 1/2 weeks of opening and closing the restaurant Monday-Friday, Oweis said the family plans to maintain the traditions while adding its own flair. When the cooler weather arrives, he plans to add homemade soups, gumbo and chili to the menu.
Oweis also is considering extending the hours to provide a dining option for people who visit the nightclubs in the neighborhood.
“I’m talking to Mark’s and Dive Bar and TSI about doing some co-promotions on Friday and Saturday night. We could stay open until 3 a.m.,” said Oweis.
356-2466