Hundreds gathered Saturday afternoon at 11056 Southwest Highway to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of Nashmi, a new Jordanian fast-casual restaurant that built its first U.S. location in Palos Hills.
Doors have officially been open since July 4. The ribbon-cutting event drew the community for a formal grand opening on Saturday, August 2. The vibe and music drew several attendees.
City officials, including Mayor Gerry Bennett, Aldermen Mike LeBarre, Jennifer Frankowicz, Michael Price, and Artur Krasowski, joined the festivities. With traditional zaffa music, clapping, and singing echoing throughout the parking lot, the intersection really. It was a cultural experience for community members to step into, geographically Palos Hills, yes, but for a brief moment folks were in Jordan.
No need to speak Arabic to understand what a zaffa was. Feet were tapping, hands were clapping, and a festive, cultural, and welcoming atmosphere was created for those who joined.
Red and white keffiyehs, a traditional Jordanian scarf, were seen on several throughout the event, a nod to pride. Another cultural bridge, offered in our backyards, brings Jordanian flavors to many who may be trying the cuisine for the first time.
And in a city already known for its broad mix of restaurants ranging from Polish bakeries, to Italian delis, to Mexican grills, and several halal joints, Nashmi adds another great option supporting Palos’s local dining scene.
Fresh shawarma wraps, chicken, and beef were being made on the spot; the smell was incredible, another draw-in for the growing crowd. Spices filled your nose, and the aroma of grilled meats drew many inside. One of the best rules of thumb, some say, is judged not only by the meat, but by the bread. Nashmi bakes their soft, fresh, warm pita bread daily in a stone oven. So many families stopped by, shared bites, and sat on the patio set out on the parking lot.
This is the original shawarma from Jordan
Owner Ihsan Musleh stood at the forefront of it all, greeting guests, answering questions, and providing a glimpse to community members just how deeply connected Nashami is to its roots.
“This is kind of like you could say, the original shawarma from overseas,” Musleh said. “We follow a recipe, a long process for the meat to be marinated and prepared, and it is done by someone who knows what they’re doing.”
“We use the top-quality meat, all halal,” he said.
When asked what sets Nashami apart from the many other shawarma spots in the area, he was clear:
“There are so many shawarma places, but ours is traditional–the real way. The way people prepare in Jordan,” he said.
The menu focuses on the beef and chicken shawarma wraps, but beef kebabs, and other Middle Eastern staples, including hummus, are offered. Prepared with care and intention, Musleh said, “Quality, you’re getting a slice of Jordan, and quality.”
A Jordanian Favorite Comes to Illinois
In Jordan, Nashmi has built a reputation through several locations that draw loyal customers for their quality and consistency. Online reviews from Amman and even locations in Qatar display the brand’s popularity with intense flavors and tender meat cuts.
Now with a U.S. master franchise license, Musleh and his team are laying the groundwork for expansions.
“This is the first,” he said. “We’re going to be opening more. Inshallah (God Willing), you’ll see more Nashmi locations soon.”
Joining him for the launch was Abdallah Sallayma, who co-founded the U.S. expansion and flew in from Jordan to attend. Sallayma and Musleh plan to venture into fried chicken spots in the Chicago area.
Chosen by the Community
This location made sense, Musleh said. “It’s a busy intersection, but more than that, people here have been so supportive. A lot of neighbors came by even before we opened, they would ask, ‘When are you opening?’ That made us feel very welcomed.”
Musleh said that the welcoming wagon has only continued. “Everybody who comes to try is always great,” he said. “But when they come back, that’s when I’ll know they love the food.”
Already taking on locals, Musleh plans to continue hiring locally and to collaborate with nonprofits for future community events. The hope is to become not just a dining option, but part of the neighborhood’s daily life.
In Arabic, the meaning of the word Nashmi can mean several things, Musleh said, “It can mean bravery, being generous, even noble. It has different meanings but it describes the kind of person who gives to others – that’s what we want this place to be.”
Nashmi is now open at 11056 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills. Hours are Sunday through Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday from 3 to 11 p.m.
