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Astoria's 'King of Falafel' to Open Brick-and-Mortar Eatery

By Jeanmarie Evelly | April 7, 2015 11:58am | Updated on April 7, 2015 6:28pm
 Freddy Zeideia will take his famed street cart food indoors, opening a restaurant at 30-15 Broadway.
King of Falafel and Shawarma
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ASTORIA — The falafel "king" has a new castle.

Fares "Freddy" Zeideia, the vendor behind the popular Middle Eastern street cart The King of Falafel and Shawarma, is expected to open a brick-and-mortar eatery just a block away from his famed food truck next month.

The eatery is set to open in May at 30-15 Broadway, which is currently occupied by Chirping Chicken, Zeideia said. His food cart, at Broadway and 30th Street, will continue to operate as usual. 

It was not clear when Chirping Chicken would close the location. Management was not immediately available for comment.

The eatery will serve Zeideia's award-winning falafel and shawarma as well as an expanded menu that will include things like charcoal-grilled kabobs, Middle Eastern salads and dips like hummus, baba ganoush and tabouli.

"The truck is going to be more of a fast food [menu], and the other one is going to have a full Middle Eastern menu," he said. "A lot more grilling, charcoal and barbecuing, from chicken to lamb to beef."

The space will have seating for up to 30 customers, who can order at the counter. Delivery and take out will also be available, he said.

The King of Falafel and Shawarma launched in 2002 at its Broadway location and draws long lines at lunchtime. Zeideia has grown his falafel empire over the years, and now has a cart in Midtown Manhattan and another on 30th Avenue. He also started selling his falafel mix in supermarkets.

He said this week will mark his 13th year in business, which seemed like the right time for his next chapter — a restaurant.

"[A] different start for the king of falafel," he said.