Newly open Levant offers Mediterranean cuisine to Polaris shoppers

Matthew Jung believes we frequently underestimate people’s palate for new and different foods. 

“You just have to give them the opportunity,” he said. 

It was this thinking that motivated Jung and business partner Matthew Flaws to open a Mediterranean outfit at a mall food court, a market not typically saturated with this kind of cuisine. 

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“We are an option that’s going to make people feel better about what they’re putting in their body [while] still having a satisfactory experience,” Jung said. 

Levant: Elevated Mediterranean Eatery opened Dec. 10 at 1500 Polaris Parkway, replacing German grille What’s for Döner. 

Jung, who with Flaws managed the eatery for five months prior under the What’s for Döner banner, said customers didn’t really understand the concept of a German grille selling Mediterranean fare. 

“It was an easy dismissal,” he said. 

However, it was the Turkish immigrants, particularly in Berlin, who brought the Döner kebab to Germany–a more healthful equivalent of a gyro, Jung said. 

To turn Döner into Levant, Jung and Flaws revised the menu, making sauces and spreads from scratch. They’ve also diversified their offerings, making sure items are available for those who follow vegetarian, vegan, and keto diets. 

The menu, which is available via dine-in, takeout, delivery, and catering, features customizable bowls, wraps, and pitas with beef and lamb, chicken, tabouleh, roasted veggies and mushrooms, and falafel, along with ready-made options. 

Jung said he’s already seen a big difference in business since revamping the menu and brand. 

“Our business has more than doubled already in a short period of time,” he said. 

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