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De Babel is opening its second Scottsdale location at The Edge, introducing a distinctive format that brings together made-to-order Middle Eastern food, elevated hospitality and a carefully curated market of essential Middle Eastern products.
Located at 8980 N. 90th St., Suite 124, the new restaurant preserves the familiar flavors, quality and consistency established at De Babel’s original Pima Road location. De Babel remains a strictly halal kitchen, with restaurant food preparation and made-to-order menu items following the brand’s halal standards.
The Edge location expands the experience beyond the traditional fast-casual model. It offers large patios, comfortable soft seating and an environment designed to encourage guests to relax, gather and experience genuine Middle Eastern hospitality without sacrificing convenience.
“We wanted to create a more complete experience while remaining true to who we are,” said De Babel founder Marwan Kandeel. “The food will continue to be made to order, the kitchen will remain strictly halal and our guests will still find the consistent flavors they know. At the same time, we are creating a more comfortable environment and making important Middle Eastern products easier to find.”
A carefully curated Middle Eastern market
The market features selected Pereg kosher products alongside Halloumi, Bulgarian, Akkawi and Nabulsi cheeses; Tahsildaroglu Goat’s Milk White cheese; tahini; pickles; and a wide assortment of gluten-free packaged products.
Although the retail market carries selected kosher-certified packaged products, De Babel itself remains a strictly halal kitchen. The distinction allows the restaurant to maintain its halal menu while making thoughtfully selected packaged products available to guests with different dietary preferences.
Organic beverages served differently
Guests can sample Tractor beverages from six juice taps and four bubblers serving iced tea and lemonade. De Babel will also offer dairy-free tahini ice cream as part of its expanded range of thoughtful alternatives.
The same food, with a more expansive experience
Despite the added retail and hospitality elements, the made-to-order menu remains at the center of De Babel. The new restaurant delivers the same Middle Eastern flavors associated with the original location while giving guests more ways to experience the brand – whether stopping for a quick meal, gathering on the patio or purchasing traditional products to take home.
“This is not about changing the food or turning De Babel into something unfamiliar,” Kandeel said. “It is about protecting what our guests already love and building a better experience around it.”
A quiet and intentional opening
De Babel will not hold a traditional grand-opening celebration or introduce promotional discounts. Instead, the restaurant will open quietly and intentionally. The measured opening period will allow the team to strengthen its systems, build consistency under pressure and refine the guest experience before Metro Phoenix enters its high season and welcomes the return of winter visitors.
“We are choosing to grow with discipline,” Kandeel said. “Before the busiest season arrives, we want our team to become confident, consistent and fully prepared to deliver outstanding hospitality every day.”
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Dining and Cooking