Peño Mediterranean Grill is bringing Mediterranean food to The Pointe at Barclay at South 17th Street and Independence Boulevard in midtown Wilmington.

Peño Grill is a fast-casual Mediterranean concept that has operated two locations in Wilmington for the past several years under the name Baba Ghannouj Mediterranean Bistro. In early 2016, founder Jamal Haddad partnered with Rocco Quaranto and Wells Struble, co-owners of Tama Tea, another locally born franchise. Baba Ghannouj was rebranded as Peño Mediterranean Grill early this year, and franchising plans were announced in February. 

Peno Grill will be located in one of the first phases of the movie theater-anchored The Pointe at Barclay, which includes tenants such as Pizzeria Il Forno, Tavern on 17th, Zocalo Street Food & Tequila, Far From France and Duck Donuts.
 
“We know that the location and the franchisee are the two most important factors in our success.” Quaranto said. “We couldn’t be more excited about the signing of our latest location at The Pointe at Barclay. Everyone involved in the project at The Pointe at Barclay has been great to work with and we love their vision for the development. We are very eager to be a tenant at this property.”
 
Quaranto said a November opening is expected.
 
Peño Grill also announced the signing of two other franchise locations in South Carolina, one in Charleston and the other in Myrtle Beach.

Peño Mediterranean Grill is currently located at 351 S. College Road, Unit 29, and in the food court at Independence Mall, 3500 Oleander Drive.
 
Have a tip for Restaurant Roundup? Email [email protected].