Gyro lovers, rejoice — Petra Mediterranean Pizza and Grill is expected to open a second location in San Luis Obispo early next year.
The popular restaurant is planning to open a new spot in the SLO Public Market, taking over the former stand-alone building where Brooks Burgers used to be, Petra chief operating officer Rammy Aburashed told The Tribune.
Brooks Burgers abruptly closed at 134 Tank Farm Road in September after three years in business in the spot.
Aburashed said the new location was “a very good opportunity” to expand Petra’s footprint, and part of the restaurant’s “plan to reach more customers and be part of the vibrant community.”
“We see a demand for good food in that area, especially because of the new city developments,” he said. “We have a great team that is prepared for the expansion. Also, by us being on that side of town our third-party delivery services can now reach the Five Cities.”
Workers prepare food at Petra Mediterranean Pizza and Grill at 1210 Higuera St in San Luis Obispo.
Petra opened at 1210 Higuera St. in San Luis Obispo in 2008. Across those nearly two decades of operation, the restaurant has racked up a devoted following, as well as an impressive list of accolades.
Last summer, the spot was even visited by “the mayor of Flavortown” himself, Guy Fieri, as he traveled through San Luis Obispo County for his “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” TV show.
The restaurant was featured in the season premiere episode of the Food Network show in August 2024.
Guy Fieri, left, visited Petra Mediterranean Pizza and Grill, the family-owned SLO restaurant owned by, from left, Todd, Sana and Rammy Aburashed. The restaurant will be featured on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” on Aug. 2, 2024.
Aburashed said fans of the restaurant can expect the “same food, same friendly vibes” at the new location.
“The huge outdoor patio will be a great spot for larger parties and live music,” he said. “The menu and overall vibe will stay true to what people love about Petra, with maybe a few new specials inspired by the market’s atmosphere.”
With a planned opening sometime at the start of 2026, Aburashed said the new restaurant is just the start of bigger things for the Petra brand.
“We often get requests to head up north or to other lovely cities in California,” he said. “We’re planning to kick things off with a second spot nearby and, fingers crossed, we’ll expand to other nearby cities shortly after.”
Petra Mediterranean Pizza and Grill in San Luis Obispo will be featured on the 40th season premiere of Guy Fieri’s Food Network television show “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” on Aug. 2, 2024.
Dining and Cooking