Deep Ellum Dish
Veg-friendly Amsterdam Falafelshop nabs nifty Deep Ellum address
A Washington, D.C.-based chain that specializes in falafel sandwiches is expanding, and its plans include Dallas. Called Amsterdam Falafelshop, it will open in Deep Ellum, at 2651 Commerce St., in the space between the Comedy House and Luscher's, Brian Luscher's coming-soon hot dog joint.
Arianne Bennett, who co-founded the chain with her husband, Scott, confirms that Dallas is their next city. She says the branch will open by summer 2015.
Inspired by falafel shops they saw while traveling in Amsterdam, the Bennetts launched the chain in 2004. It's an all-vegetarian menu, with pita sandwiches featuring falafel, the puréed chickpea "meatball," which they call "balls." Customers go through a buffet line with approximately two dozen toppings they can add to customize their sandwiches.
In addition to pita sandwiches, they do salads and have a big commitment to French fries.
There are five branches in the D.C. area, including Virginia and Maryland, as well as a branch in Boston, with another location set to open in Boston in 2015. There are also plans to expand to Philadelphia and Salt Lake City.
The Dallas franchise belongs to a group of friends and military vets, who have the rights to open another restaurant in Dallas, Bennett says. "We don't know exactly where yet," she says.