‘Fancy casual’ Italian Village eatery announces long-awaited opening; Adjoining dog park and dog food truck to follow

The owner of Mr. Hummus Grill has set an opening date for his chic new Italian Village eatery.

According to Chef Tarek Albast, Habibi Grill will hold its grand opening on Aug. 19. The 6,000 square foot  eatery, which is located at 1131 N. 4th St., has been in the works for more than two years.

“The dream is coming true, let me just say that,” Albast said. “It’s been a long time coming, a lot of hard work and a lot of long nights.”

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Albast told 614Now the eatery will operate as a “fancy casual” concept, with customers ordering and paying at a central cashier’s station, and employees bringing food out to them. Habibi’s menu will offer be similar to that of Mr. Hummus Grill, only more expansive. Albast said he believes their gyros, hummus and pizzas will be top sellers, and that the restaurant will offer a large vegetarian menu as well.

The name Habibi, which translates to “my love” or “my dear” in Arabic, is reflected in the restaurant’s interior decor as well. Neon signs with phrases like “If you’re sad add more lipstick and attack” and “Feed me Habibi Grill and tell me I’m pretty” hang inside, alongside a sprawling plant wall and more.

According to Albast, the eatery’s outdoor space at the corner of N. 4th St. and E. 4th Ave. will eventually be converted into an adjoining dog park, complete with a food truck selling gourmet food for dogs. It’s unclear exactly when this portion of the concept will open.

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