Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamil Kadoura.
Hi Jamil, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I came to this great land, from Palestine, when I was 20 years old. I started working in hotels and restaurants, starting as a dishwasher and climbed my way up to become a director of Food and Beverage in a couple hotels in the area. In 1991, I decided to venture out and open my own business. My wife and I had $16,000 and that was the capital that we started with. That is the year Mediterranean Deli was born. We have expanded 6 times throughout the years to become a Chapel Hill institution. I am in such an amazing community that I love so much. This motivates me every day to support my community in whatever way I can. I lived for a short time at a refugee camp back home, which impacted my life in a great way, now that I can appreciate it as a man. This has driven me to help those in need. My heart and. passion is to help others. You have to love cooking and feeding people to be successful as a restaurant owner. I do this every day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes, there have been struggles. The first obstacle was to market Mediterranean food, which people did not know much about back then. Another obstacle was creating and perfecting the gluten free pita. Raising a family and growing a restaurant was very difficult to do. It took a lot of long hours and sacrifices. In the end, it was worth all the hard work.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
After our unfortunate fire in 2023, that burned the restaurant to the ground, we all rallied together and held each other up, when at times we didn’t have the energy to move forward. We went through a devastating 2 years, which brought us all closer than we have ever been Our employees have impacted our business and my life, in such a great way. An average employee has worked here for 10 years. We truly have an amazing family here at Mediterranean Deli.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Always keep lines of communication open with your community.
Pricing:
- Over 50 meals ranging from $10 – $22
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mediterraneandeli.com/
- Instagram: mediterraneandeli
- Facebook: mediterraneandeli
