LOGAN SQUARE — Those holding their breath for the new restaurant from the folks behind Sultan's Market have more waiting to do — it's going to be a few more months.
Masada, 2206 N. California Ave., a sit-down Middle Eastern restaurant from the folks behind the popular Sultan's Market has literally been years in the making as owner Shadi Ramli opted to fund the project slowly in cash instead of seeking loans or investors.
Last fall, Ramli said he hoped to open in March for patio weather, as the spot boasted a huge patio with seating for 200, but he hit a few snags.
"We just have some zoning issues to take care of," Ramli said. "We hope to open by the end of the summer."
Without going into specifics, Ramli said he had to secure special licensing because he planned to have entertainment at the new, sit-down restaurant.
He bought the building 10 years ago and began working on the new restaurant two years after that. Ramli hoped to open in June 2011, but two years later, Masada is still just anticipated.
The restaurant is coming together, however, and with help from his sister-in-law Ramli even planted a bunch of flowers and plants on that big patio. The Sultan's Market Facebook page even offers a little glimpse of their work.
"It was a ton of work hauling all that dirt in and everything," he said. "She's disappointed no one can see the flowers yet."
Masada will also boast three bars, a PA system and a dance floor. Unlike the cafeteria-style service of Sultan's Market — with locations in Wicker Park and Lincoln Park — Masada will be a sit-down "Middle Eastern soul food tapas" restaurant, featuring made-to-order small plates that people can share.
Ramli still hopes to catch some warm patio weather, but thinks it will be at least a couple of months before he opens Masada.
"We're working on it," he said.
