Famed NYC Falafel Restaurant Mamoun’s Sets Its Sights On DFW

Last year, Dallas got its first falafel-devoted restaurant with the arrival of Amsterdam Falafelshop. Now, a NYC icon is setting its sights on DFW, which could mean the arrival of the city’s newest food trend.

QSR reports that Mamoun’s Falafel, which first opened in 1971 in New York City, is scoping out locations in Dallas-Fort Worth for its first Texas outpost. The Texas restaurants will be operated by a franchisee, Ghassanis Bros LLC, which claims that it is bringing the first restaurant that focuses on “authentic” Middle Eastern cuisine to the metroplex.

“My family knows what authentic Middle Eastern food tastes like, and Mamoun’s is it. Dallas doesn’t have anything like it in the area,” says a spokesman for the restaurant group. “We’re looking forward to bringing Texans true falafel and capitalizing on the growth of this popular segment.”

According to Eater NY critic Robert Sietsema, the food is definitely worth looking forward to. Check out his thoughts on Mamoun’s falafel, Turkish coffee, and more below:

The original Mamoun's on MacDougal introduced the falafel sandwich to the city in 1971. It was a mega hit, first with NYU students and hippies, but soon with the general public. Falafel also served as a wedge for the introduction of vegetarian dining in the city. With its luxuriance of fried chickpea fritters, nutty tasting tahini, and fresh greens, onions, and tomatoes, it redefined a quick bite for New Yorkers. And the shawarma, Middle Eastern pastries, and Turkish coffee are worth snacking on, too.

No word yet on an official opening timeline or location for Mamoun’s Falafel in Dallas-Fort Worth just yet, but look for it to open its doors sometime before the end of 2017.

• NYC's Mamoun’s Falafel Headed to Texas [QSR]