Franchisee Minesh Patel prepares an order for customers on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, at Tahini’s in Loves Park. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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LOVES PARK — Tahini’s has cut the ribbon on its new restaurant in Loves Park, which is the franchise’s first location in the country.
The fast-growing Canadian brand offers Middle Eastern staples and Mediterranean fusion cuisine. It’s now open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at 1521 E. Riverside Blvd., suite 4, which is at the southwest corner of Forest Hills Road and East Riverside Boulevard in Loves Park Crossing with Starbucks, Verizon and other businesses.
The local franchisees Minesh and Vaishu Patel cut the ribbon on Monday in a ceremony with The Parks Chamber of Commerce.
“With this location here on Riverside we think you’re going to get a ton of traffic, a ton of exposure,” said Duncan Geddes, executive director of The Parks Chamber.
The restaurant chain was founded by Omar Hamam in 2012 in London, Ontario. It has grown to 66 locations in Canada with plans for more than 80 before the end of the year.
Tahini’s has plans for more U.S. locations in Baltimore, New Jersey and Florida, among other cities. First it will focus on the launch here in Loves Park.
Franchisee Vaishu Patel talks with Markus Smith on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, during the grand opening of Tahini’s in Loves Park. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
The menu offers a variety of shawarma options including butter chicken, Korean barbecue, Jamaican jerk and tandoori chicken. There are also a variety of wraps including gyro and falafel, and multiple bowls such as the plant-based Greek halloumi bowl. Appetizers include crispy fries, chipotle mango fries, hummus and fattoush salad, among other options.
Minesh Patel, a Rockford entrepreneur who also owns Noble’s Grocery at 529 W. Jefferson St., said he has lived in the area since 2016 and has always wanted to open a restaurant.
“Today is incredibly special for us, not only because we are opening but because we are bringing the Middle Eastern cuisine,” he said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “We are very excited to start with this dream.”
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
Minesh Patel cuts the ribbon Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, on the new Tahini’s on Riverside Boulevard in Loves Park. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
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