Manakeesh Closes West Philly Location, Plans to Relocate Soon

Manakeesh, a beloved Lebanese restaurant in West Philadelphia, has announced the closure of its location at Walnut and 45th Streets. The decision comes as a response to rising leasing costs, which owner Wissam Chatila found unsustainable. The restaurant, known for its manakeesh flatbreads and traditional dishes, will continue operating online with a limited menu while the owners search for a new space in the same neighborhood.

The closure has elicited a significant emotional response from the community, as many patrons took to social media to express their support. “You have been such a pillar of our community and neighborhood,” one Instagram commenter noted, asking what they could do to help. This sentiment reflects Manakeesh’s role as a social hub where locals gathered not only for meals but also for meetings and social events.

Plans for a New Location

General Manager Adam Chatila revealed that the team is actively scouting for a new site, ideally maintaining the same vibrant atmosphere that characterized their former location, which was housed in an elegant bank building since its opening in January 2011. “Something similar, maybe a slightly smaller scale operation but it gives off the same effect of, you walk in and you feel like you’re in a different country, in the Lebanese country,” he explained.

While Manakeesh will briefly operate as a “cloud kitchen,” it will continue to deliver from the family’s other restaurant, Toomi’s Shawarma, located nearby. This arrangement aims to retain connections with their loyal customers while searching for a permanent home.

Community Impact and Resilience

Throughout its years of operation, Manakeesh has offered a diverse menu ranging from breakfast staples like hummus and baklava to specialty dishes such as chicken tawook kabob, grilled in front of patrons. “We really put our heart into our dishes; we’re not just repackaging something,” Chatila added, emphasizing the use of authentic ingredients imported from Lebanon, including za’atar and freshly made dough.

The announcement of the restaurant’s closure comes just ahead of Ramadan, a significant period for the establishment when it traditionally opened at sunset to serve customers breaking their fast. This timing adds an emotional weight to the transition, as many in the community have shared fond memories associated with the restaurant during this important month.

Despite the challenges, Chatila remains optimistic about the future and is committed to retaining employees who have been with the restaurant for years. “We treat them like family, so we’re going to do our best to try to retain the workforce,” he stated, highlighting the dedication to both staff and patrons.

As Manakeesh prepares for this new chapter, the community watches closely, eager for its return. The restaurant, which has become more than just a dining spot, symbolizes resilience and connection, values that will undoubtedly guide its next steps.