Vaishu and Minesh Patel are the franchisees of the first ever Tahini’s in the United States. It’s at 1521 E. Riverside Blvd. in Loves Park. The Patels are pictured on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, in front of the restaurant. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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LOVES PARK — A fast-growing franchise that offers Middle Eastern staples and Mediterranean fusion cuisine is bringing its first restaurant to the U.S., and its debut is happening in the heart of Loves Park.
Tahini’s has opened at 1521 E. Riverside Blvd., suite 4, which is at the southwest corner of Forest Hills Road and East Riverside Boulevard in a business strip with Starbucks, Verizon and other businesses.
The restaurant, which is billed as Canada’s fastest-growing Mediterranean fusion brand, started with a soft opening Wednesday and will officially cut the ribbon for its grand opening at 1 p.m. Monday.
“We feel like there’s really not a chain that’s doing what we’re doing. There’s a big opportunity here and there’s a gap to be filled,” said Khalid Sariffodeen, chief construction officer and vice president of operations for Tahini’s. “Competition is everywhere, but once people fall in love with the food I think they’re going to keep on coming back here.”
The new location will be run by franchisee Minesh Patel, a Rockford entrepreneur who also owns Noble’s Grocery, 529 W. Jefferson St., in Rockford. He and his wife, Vaishu, will have a hands on role in the daily operations of the restaurant.
“It’s an honor to open the very first U.S. Tahini’s location here in Loves Park,” Minesh Patel said. “I can’t wait for guests here in Illinois to experience the fusion menu that has made the brand such a success in Canada.”
Patel, who touted the flavor from its marinated chicken and house-made sauces, said he became interested in opening Tahini’s here after a family member ran a successful franchise in Canada.
The restaurant chain was founded in London, Ontario, in 2012 by Omar Hamam. It has grown to 66 locations in Canada with an additional 15 in the pipeline, Sariffodeen said.
There are also plans for more U.S. locations in Baltimore, New Jersey and Florida, among other cities. But first the franchise will focus on a successful launch in Loves Park.
“Expanding into the United States is an exciting milestone for Tahini’s,” Hamam, the founder and CEO of Tahini’s, said in a news release. “We’ve built incredible momentum in Canada, and now it’s time to share our fresh, innovative menu with U.S. guests. Loves Park is the perfect community to start our American journey.”
The Shawn Bowl on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, at Tahini’s in Loves Park. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
Tahini’s features a variety of specialty bowls and shawarma designed to combine Middle Eastern staples with global flavors.
Some of the shawarma options include Korean barbecue, Jamaican jerk and butter chicken. There are also plant-based options such as falafel shawarma and Greek halloumi bowl. Much of its menu, including the saj flatbread, is made fresh in house.
“You won’t get this in a regular shawarma shop down the street,” Sariffodeen said. “The fusion, the aromas, the taste buds exploding while you’re eating — that’s what I want them to experience.”
Tahini’s | Loves Park
Where: 1521 E Riverside Blvd., suite 4, Loves Park
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Online: tahinis.com
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
Dining and Cooking