Modern Mediterranean cuisine will be the theme at a new restaurant coming to 5709 Oleander Drive, in the space next door to Port City Java formerly occupied by Asahi Ting.

Owner Bahaa Ibrahim said Sofra, which translates to “dining table” in Arabic, will feature modern adaptations of traditional Mediterranean dishes such a falafel, kababs and shawarma.

There will be a case with fresh salads such as lentil, tabbouleh and Greek for quick grab-n-go service, or customers can choose a protein to be prepared with a salad, as a sandwich or as a bowl with rice or grains. Items such as hummus and baba ghanouj will be prepared fresh daily.

The fast-casual restaurant will offer counter service and seating for about 25 guests inside, with additional seating on a covered patio.

Ibrahim lived throughout the Middle East before arriving in Los Angeles in 1984. There he worked at Lawry’s, The Prime Rib, a Beverly Hills landmark and birthplace of Lawry’s Seasoned Salt. He began his tenure as a bus boy and by the time he left 10 years later, he was a manager.

From there he opened the nation’s second Rainforest Cafe in Chicago, before visiting his brother in Wilmington and deciding to stay. 

Ibrahim owned two restaurants in downtown Wilmington, Charlotte Uptown Eatery, and BB’s Burgers and Brews, before selling both and going to work for Ash Aziz’s Circa Restaurant Group.

He worked for Aziz for 15 years, most recently as the general manager of Boca Bay, until the group was sold last year. He said he considers himself very fortunate to have worked for Aziz and considers him to be his mentor, advisor and friend. 

The final phases of construction are now being done at Sofra, and Ibrahim is eager to open as soon as possible. 

Have a tip for Restaurant Roundup? Email us at: [email protected].