GENEVA — The Geneva Business Improvement District welcomed Ciao Warma to downtown Geneva with a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 15, celebrating the restaurant’s grand opening at 368 Exchange St.
Sydney Schumacher, executive director of BID, presided over the ceremony alongside Ward 5 City Councilor Jim Petropoulos. They were joined by the owners’ family members and a strong turnout of Geneva community members. BID said guests were treated to samples of hummus and chips, falafel, and roasted cauliflower — an early taste of what Ciao Warma has to offer.
Owned and operated by Dima Assi and Don Beidas, Ciao Warma brings authentic Mediterranean cuisine to Geneva.
The couple relocated from New York City recently, bringing with them a deep passion for food and a combined wealth of culinary experience, BID said. Beidas spent over 28 years in the restaurant industry, and Assi grew up immersed in the world of food, working in her family’s restaurant in New York City from an early age.
Together, they have crafted a menu that introduces flavors largely new to the Geneva dining scene, including shawarma, falafel, kabobs, and zaatar fries. Guests also can build their own customizable bowls.
The grand opening drew an enthusiastic crowd to Exchange Street, and the restaurant has continued to welcome a steady stream of guests since — a strong start for a welcome new addition to downtown, Schumacher noted.
“We’re excited to have Ciao Warma in the district,” Schumacher said. “The community response has been wonderful to see, and this feels like a great, unique addition to our downtown. Personally, I’m thrilled to have a place right down the street where I can get such excellent falafel for lunch.”
Ciao Warma is at 368 Exchange St. and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Dining and Cooking