MAYVILLE, 2023 — The heartwarming story of a much-loved Middle Eastern community restaurant that faced devastation when it was destroyed by fire is taking a turn for the better as it joyfully announces its grand reopening. The restaurant, Karam Deli, lovingly helmed by Salman Al-Hassan, a man who took an extraordinary barefoot journey from Palestine to the heart of Mayville, NC, has not only served delectable cuisine but also symbolizes the strength of community bonds. (“Karam” means “hospitality” in Arabic.)
The fire that gutted the restaurant left the community in shock, mourning the loss of a place that had become more than just an eatery. For Salman Al-Hassan, the restaurant wasn’t just a business, it was an embodiment of his heritage, a tribute to his roots, and a means to share the love and warmth of Middle Eastern culture. Al-Hassan spent his childhood years in a refugee camp and served falafel on the streets of Palestine during breaks in his seventh grade class, and immigrated to the United States in the ’80s for education and opportunity. Years later, Karam Deli was born, and has been a community fixture ever since — up until the recent fire on Main Street.
“I was devastated to see the place I poured my heart and soul into reduced to ashes,” said Al-Hassan. “But the outpouring of support and encouragement from the community was truly overwhelming. It showed me that the bonds we’ve built here go beyond the walls of the restaurant.”
In the aftermath of the fire, a community united like never before. Local residents, patrons, and even strangers rallied around Al-Hassan, demonstrating the resilience and unity that lies at the core of the restaurant’s ethos. Fundraisers, volunteer efforts, and messages of solidarity flooded in, reaffirming that the loss of the physical space was only a temporary setback.
Today, with unwavering determination and support, Salman Al-Hassan proudly announces the long-awaited reopening of his cherished restaurant. The rebuilt establishment promises not only the same mouthwatering Middle Eastern delicacies that earned it a loyal following but also a renewed sense of hope and community spirit.
“The fire was a tragic event, but it couldn’t extinguish the flame of our unity and love for one another,” Al-Hassan emphasized. “I am thrilled to welcome everyone back to a space where we can continue to celebrate our shared culture, flavors, and stories.”
The grand reopening event promises to be a celebration of resilience, diversity, and the power of community. Attendees can expect an immersive experience that showcases the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern traditions through food, music, and heartfelt conversations.
The story of Salman Al-Hassan and his community restaurant serves as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to rise from the ashes, to rebuild, and to thrive. As the doors swing open once again, it’s a reminder that no matter the challenges we face, the bonds of community can weather any storm.
For more information, please contact: Veda Williams, veda.e.williams@gmail.com
Photos and Interviews Available Upon Request
Note: This article is a fictitious piece, written in honor of Mediterranean Deli and my friend, Jamil Khadoura, in Chapel Hill. As of December 2023, the restaurant is not yet open, but Med Deli is accepting catering and delivery orders from 454 West Franklin Street in Chapel Hill (formerly Elaine’s). I wrote this several months before the war in Palestine, Jamil Khadoura’s home country.