The holidays are a time of joy for many, but for others, they can be the loneliest and most difficult days of the year.That’s why Mr. JJ’s Mediterranean Grill in Louisville is opening its doors on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, offering more than just a meal. As the sound of a bell rings from the kitchen, signaling another order is ready, owner Abojad Kurdi says his goal during the holidays is simple: make sure no one feels forgotten.”The holidays often come with big family dinners. But for others, this time of year can feel lonely,” said Kurdi.Kurdi is inviting anyone in the community to stop by Mr. JJ’s Mediterranean Grill on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for a meal, no strings attached.”Some people cannot afford a healthy, high-quality meal, and I welcome them to come, have a seat, and eat.”He says there are no expectations, no tips, and no judgment, just a warm meal and a welcoming space.Kurdi understands firsthand that the holidays can be especially hard for people without family nearby.”I understand that some people don’t have family here,” he said.The restaurant serves a wide variety of Mediterranean dishes, including gyros, kabobs, hummus, and fresh salads. Kurdi says the food is deeply personal.”The food is a reflection of the culture,” he said.Many of the flavors come from memories of cooking with his family growing up.“I grew up on this food. I follow the smell of my grandfather’s food because he used to be a butcher. If I don’t have the recipe, I rely on the memory of the smell of his food,” said Kurdi.He has owned Mr. JJ’s Mediterranean Grill for four years at 3741 Pamela Rae Drive off Westport Road and Chamberlain Lane. He says the journey hasn’t always been easy.”We struggled in the beginning. The location, it’s not the best direction. But I always say I make the location. The location never makes me,” said Kurdi.Giving back, Kurdi says, is at the heart of what he does — especially during the holidays.”You give a dollar. It comes back, multiplied,” said Kurdi.As he wishes customers a Merry Christmas, Kurdi hopes his restaurant can be a place of comfort and connection for anyone who needs it.The owner of Mr. JJ’s Mediterranean Grill says he will begin serving meals to the community on Christmas Day, starting at 1 p.m.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. —
The holidays are a time of joy for many, but for others, they can be the loneliest and most difficult days of the year.
That’s why Mr. JJ’s Mediterranean Grill in Louisville is opening its doors on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, offering more than just a meal.
As the sound of a bell rings from the kitchen, signaling another order is ready, owner Abojad Kurdi says his goal during the holidays is simple: make sure no one feels forgotten.
“The holidays often come with big family dinners. But for others, this time of year can feel lonely,” said Kurdi.
Kurdi is inviting anyone in the community to stop by Mr. JJ’s Mediterranean Grill on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for a meal, no strings attached.
“Some people cannot afford a healthy, high-quality meal, and I welcome them to come, have a seat, and eat.”
He says there are no expectations, no tips, and no judgment, just a warm meal and a welcoming space.
Kurdi understands firsthand that the holidays can be especially hard for people without family nearby.
“I understand that some people don’t have family here,” he said.
The restaurant serves a wide variety of Mediterranean dishes, including gyros, kabobs, hummus, and fresh salads. Kurdi says the food is deeply personal.
“The food is a reflection of the culture,” he said.
Many of the flavors come from memories of cooking with his family growing up.
“I grew up on this food. I follow the smell of my grandfather’s food because he used to be a butcher. If I don’t have the recipe, I rely on the memory of the smell of his food,” said Kurdi.
He has owned Mr. JJ’s Mediterranean Grill for four years at 3741 Pamela Rae Drive off Westport Road and Chamberlain Lane. He says the journey hasn’t always been easy.
“We struggled in the beginning. The location, it’s not the best direction. But I always say I make the location. The location never makes me,” said Kurdi.
Giving back, Kurdi says, is at the heart of what he does — especially during the holidays.
“You give a dollar. It comes back, multiplied,” said Kurdi.
As he wishes customers a Merry Christmas, Kurdi hopes his restaurant can be a place of comfort and connection for anyone who needs it.
The owner of Mr. JJ’s Mediterranean Grill says he will begin serving meals to the community on Christmas Day, starting at 1 p.m.
Dining and Cooking