Lebanese Restaurant Manakeesh Closes West Philly Location, Plans Future

The beloved Lebanese restaurant, Manakeesh, has announced the closure of its West Philadelphia location at Walnut and 45th Streets. This decision, confirmed by General Manager Adam Chatila, comes as the business grapples with rising lease costs. Despite the closure, Manakeesh will continue operations in a limited capacity, transitioning to an online format while searching for a new site in the same neighborhood.

Chatila expressed surprise at the overwhelming support from the community following the announcement. Social media has been flooded with messages of encouragement, with one comment highlighting the restaurant’s significance as a community pillar: “You have been such a pillar of our community and neighborhood. Is there anything we can do to help? We love you guys.”

While the restaurant has been a popular destination for a range of Lebanese dishes, including its signature manakeesh flatbreads, it has also fostered a sense of community. Chatila described the establishment as “kind of like a Lebanese Panera,” where customers gathered for meetings and socializing. Since its opening in January 2011 by Chatila’s father, Wissam Chatila, Manakeesh has become synonymous with a diverse menu featuring staples such as hummus, baklava, and specialties like chicken tawook kabob, grilled in front of patrons.

Though the current location is closing, Manakeesh plans to operate as a “cloud kitchen” in the interim, utilizing the kitchen facilities at the family’s other restaurant, Toomi’s Shawarma. Customers will still be able to order some of their favorite dishes online. “We really put our heart into our dishes,” Chatila stated, emphasizing the restaurant’s commitment to quality by making dough from scratch and sourcing ingredients directly from Lebanon.

Looking ahead, Chatila mentioned the search for a new space, albeit potentially on a smaller scale. He is hopeful for a location that maintains the inviting atmosphere of their current establishment. “Something similar, maybe a slightly smaller scale operation but it gives off the same effect of, you walk in and you feel like you’re in a different country, in the Lebanese country,” he explained.

The final day of service at the Walnut Street location is set to coincide with the beginning of Ramadan. This timing is particularly poignant, as the restaurant traditionally offers special dishes during this month, welcoming customers who break their fast at sunset. The closure is marked by a community celebration, reflecting the deep connections forged between the restaurant and its patrons over the years.

Chatila is also committed to supporting his long-standing staff, many of whom have been with the restaurant since it opened. “We treat them like a family, so we’re going to do our best to try to retain the workforce,” he said. The aim is to navigate the upcoming changes while maintaining the close-knit community that has developed around Manakeesh.

As the restaurant transitions, it hopes to continue being a source of comfort and familiarity for its loyal customers, even in a new form.