Manakeesh Restaurant in West Philadelphia to Close, Eyes New Location

Manakeesh, a popular Lebanese restaurant located at Walnut and 45th Streets in West Philadelphia, has announced its closure, with plans to find a new location in the same neighborhood. General Manager Adam Chatila confirmed that the decision stemmed from rising rent costs that made it unsustainable to continue operating at the current site. Following the announcement, the restaurant received significant support from the community via social media. One Instagram user remarked, “You have been such a pillar of our community and neighborhood. Is there anything we can do to help? We love you guys.”

Despite the closure, Manakeesh will maintain an online presence with a streamlined menu, allowing customers to continue enjoying their favorite dishes. Chatila explained that while the restaurant is transforming into a “cloud kitchen” for the time being, it will still operate from a physical location through their family’s other establishment, Toomi’s Shawarma, a fast-food-style venue.

The original Manakeesh restaurant, which opened in January 2011 under the ownership of Wissam Chatila, became well-known for introducing a diverse range of Lebanese cuisine to the local community. While other eateries like Saad’s Halal Restaurant offer similar fare, Manakeesh distinguished itself with its namesake flatbreads and a welcoming atmosphere. Chatila described the establishment as “kind of like a Lebanese Panera,” highlighting its role as a social hub where customers gathered for meetings and casual outings.

Chatila noted that the restaurant has experienced consistent patronage over the years, with customers frequently returning for staples such as hummus and baklava, along with specialties like chicken tawook kabob, which is grilled in front of diners. “We really put our heart into our dishes; we’re not just repackaging someone else’s food. We make our dough from scratch and import many ingredients from Lebanon, like za’atar,” he stated.

As the search for a new location commences, the Chatila family is looking for a space that, while potentially smaller and less ornate than the former bank building, will still evoke the essence of Lebanese culture. “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,” Adam Chatila explained.

In anticipation of the upcoming Ramadan, a significant time for the restaurant, the final day of operations was celebrated with a community party. During Ramadan, Manakeesh would traditionally open at sunset to serve special dishes for those breaking their fast.

Chatila expressed gratitude for the support of the restaurant’s staff, many of whom have been with the business for years, including one employee who has been there since opening day. “We treat them like family, so we’re going to do our best to try to retain the workforce,” he added. The closure marks not just the end of a dining location but a pivotal moment for a community hub that has served its patrons with dedication and passion.