Hummus News
California Mediterranean restaurant chain rides into Dallas on white horse
A Mediterranean chain with two locations in Dallas will soon be rescued by a dashing Greek savior from Los Angeles. The restaurants previously known as Noon Mediterranean will become Daphne's Mediterranean, a California-based concept known for fresh and wholesome Greek cuisine.
Noon was based in Austin and was acquired by Daphne's in October.
As part of the acquisition, both Noon locations in Dallas — at 7949 Walnut Hill Ln. and 8449 North Beltline Rd. — will reopen as Daphne's, with a celebratory event offering the first look and taste of Daphne's Mediterranean.
Strangely, this is not the first name change for this little chain. They started out as the horribly-named Vert's Kabap, before graduating to the slightly less horribly-named Noon Mediterranean.
Daphne's is a 30-year-old brand whose offerings range from traditional entrees like gyro, seafood, and falafel to more modern offerings like gyro fries and kale quinoa tabbouleh.
The restaurants will feature a hybrid menu with favorites from both concepts. That means maintaining an abbreviated version of Noon's assembly line format, while adding plated entrees and signature bowls from Daphne's, such as hummus, tzatziki, pita, grilled meats, and basmati rice.
Michael Nakhleh, president of Daphne's parent company, Elite Restaurant Group, says they're excited about introducing Daphne's to Dallas.
"We're looking forward to completing the store conversions in a swift, timely manner so the community can soon stop by, pull up a chair, and experience a sense of Greek hospitality at Daphne's," Nakhleh says.
The staff will be the same, but the stores will be updated inside and out with Daphne's branding and logos and invigorate each location with a sense of Greek hospitality and a return to Mediterranean roots.
The menu at the newly converted Noon locations will feature Daphne’s fan favorite items alongside an abbreviated version of Noon’s build-your-own entrees. This hybrid-style menu will incorporate the best of both worlds from the two concepts, all the while rooting itself in fresh, flavorful Mediterranean ingredients prepared in a way that fuels the guests’ active lifestyle.
Daphne’s currently operates 21 locations in California, and will soon have a total of 32 outposts nationwide once the Noon conversions are completed in Texas and Massachusetts.
Daphne's parent Elite Restaurant Group also owns Slater's 50/50 — which has a location in Dallas — and Patxi's Pizza — which does not.
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