Another Wilmington-based restaurant has announced plans to begin franchise operations. Baba Ghannouj Mediterranean Bistro, which operates two Wilmington locations, has rebranded as Peño Mediterranean Grill, the last step in the yearlong process of building a franchise.
 
About a year ago, Baba Ghannouj owner Jamal Haddad partnered with Rocco Quaranto and Wells Strubble, co-owners of Tama Tea, another locally born franchise. According to Quaranto, he and Strubble were loyal customers who developed a relationship with Haddad and encouraged him to think about the possibility of developing a franchise.

Quaranto said he and Strubble felt that their experience with Tama Tea, combined with Haddad’s nearly 35 years of experience in both franchise and independent restaurant ownership, made for a great partnership.
 
“For many years Jamal has built successful restaurants, sold them and moved on to new projects,” Quaranto said. “And we felt that there was a better way for him to continue to grow his business.”
 
Quaranto said that franchise plans for Peño Mediterranean Grill call for possibly one or two more locations in the Wilmington area, with the goal of expanding first within the state and then throughout the Southeast.
 
The name change stems from the fact that baba ghannouj is actually the name of a roasted eggplant dish. Quaranto said that instead of using the name of a dish, they selected "Peño," which is short for "jalapeno," an ingredient found in many of the restaurant’s dishes.
 
Quaranto said customers can expect the same high-quality, fresh food they have enjoyed at Baba Ghannouj, the same menu and the same level of customer service.
 
The company’s new website will be up and running within the week.
 
Peño Mediterranean Grill is located at 351 S. College Road, Unit 29, and in the food court at Independence Mall, 3500 Oleander Drive.
 
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