A Dallas Mediterranean restaurant chain known for its generous buffet is expanding. Andalous Mediterranean Grill, a small family-owned chain, is branching out with three new locations that will go beyond their signature buffet.

One will do hookah, one will be a mini version of what they do, and the third will offer plated-style meals.

Andalous history
The original Andalous Mediterranean Grill opened in Las Colinas in 2012, debuting a splendid buffet of more than 65 items — dolmas, chicken shawarma, falafel, hummus (regular, spicy, or spinach), Greek salad, pasta salad, gyro meat (theirs is a traditional, flavorful mix of sliced beef and lamb served with tomatoes, pickles, sliced onions and tzatziki sauce), kidney & garbanzo bean salad, curry butter chicken, and more.

Founders Sam and Wassim Merched, who are twins, grew up in the business, operating their family's award winning restaurants (their family owns the similar Fadi's chain). With Andalous, they've given it their own spin with charcoal cooked kebabs, and other dishes from a variety of regions in the middle East.

They've since opened locations in Arlington and Richardson and continue to draw crowds — not only because people love a buffet, but because their well-crafted Mediterranean dishes are popular among foodies, vegetarians, healthy-eating fans, and middle-Eastern food aficionados. Also, people love a buffet.

Wassim says that they began brainstorming in the aftermath of the pandemic.

"The pandemic shifted my perspective," he says. "I realized we no longer need a 5,000- to 6,000-square-foot footprint to succeed. So I decided to think outside the box. The goal was to create something more dynamic than just grab-and-go."

"Our food sells well, and there’s a strong client base," he says. "But I knew the atmosphere had to evolve. I wanted a space where families and friends could gather, spend time, and truly enjoy the experience—not just rush in and out of a large-format restaurant."

Andalous Fresh Mediterranean
This concept mirrors their existing model but with a smaller footprint of 2,300 square feet, focusing on top-selling items in a streamlined, fast-casual format—similar to Panda Express. It will serve as a pilot location in preparation for franchising.

The concept will debut in Frisco, at 5199 Panther Creek Pkwy, Suite # 300, and is anticipated to open in early 2026.

"For the Frisco location, doing a fast-casual version of what we do has always been on my mind," Wassim says. "With so many new Mediterranean concepts popping up, I’ve been intentional about staying unique — we're not just another gyro and shawarma spot. I want to preserve the original identity of Andalous, but with a fresh twist that sets us apart."

Andalous Mediterranean Mezze
This is a new concept opening in McKinney, in which they'll do plated grill items such as chicken, beef kebabs, and lamb chops, alongside mezze plates, barista-crafted drinks, and a fresh juice bar. It will also offer hookah service.

Andalous Mediterranean Mezze, will debut in McKinney, at 1222 N Central Expwy., and they're targeting a December 2025 opening.

Andalousia Hookah Cafe
This spinoff is a hookah-centric café, which will open in early September at 580 W. Arapaho Rd. #181 in Richardson, taking over a space that was previously another hookah bar.