ROGERS PARK — A new Mediterranean lunch and dinner spot is set to open on two of the city's college campuses this summer.
Loyola University's Lake Shore campus and the University of Illinois Chicago are both slated as future sites of I Dream of Falafel locations. Another branch just opened at 19 N. Wells St., in addition to locations in Lakeview and Downtown.
The chain lets customers create their own pitas, wraps, salads and plates, choosing from an array of sauces, proteins and bases, vegetables and other healthy options.
The Loyola location at 6558 N. Sheridan Road will replace the former Pita Pit, a similar falafel shop. It's currently under construction and plans to open in mid- to late-June, its owner Hassan Naseem told DNAinfo.
Naseem said he felt the two restaurants were different enough and that he was excited to be a part of the growing Sheridan Road scene.
"We talked to Loyola about it and ... it's kind of different than Pita Pit, we offer more and other things," the restaurateur said. "That area is developing pretty quickly ... we thought it'd be perfect."
The store would be open seven days a week and would likely serve customers from around 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Naseem said he eyed the two campuses after the success of one of his stores inside DePaul University in the Loop.
"The college kids have been telling us how happy they are having something different ... that's on campus," he said.
In Little Italy, the UIC location is taking over the former Sinbad's Hookah at 1129 W. Taylor St. It is scheduled to open by late July, Naseem said.
I Dream of Falafel is coming to 1129 W. Taylor St. [DNAinfo/Dave Newbart]
