Every big idea starts small.
In 2011, Tahini’s began with a vision: take the bold flavours of Mediterranean cuisine and create something bigger—a brand built around flavour, innovation, and unforgettable experiences.
After purchasing a local shawarma restaurant, Omar and Aly Hamam saw an opportunity to create a concept that could grow far beyond a single storefront. With a relentless focus on quality, consistency, and guest experience, that vision became Tahini’s.
In the early years, growth was steady and intentional. What started as just a handful of locations quickly proved there was a demand for a fresh, modern take on Mediterranean food. As more guests discovered the brand, the foundation was being built for something much bigger.
In 2019, Tahini’s officially launched its franchise program, opening the door for entrepreneurs across Canada to bring the brand to their own communities. That milestone accelerated the company’s growth and transformed Tahini’s into one of Canada’s fastest-growing restaurant franchises.
As the brand expanded, maintaining consistency across every restaurant became a top priority. To support that growth, Tahini’s created Alex Food Service, its own dedicated supply chain and distribution company. By managing sourcing and distribution internally, the company ensures franchise partners receive the same high-quality ingredients, reliable service, and operational support that guests have come to expect from the brand.
The journey wasn’t always easy, but through passion, persistence, and a commitment to doing things differently, Tahini’s continued to grow. From humble beginnings to becoming one of Canada’s fastest-growing Mediterranean restaurant brands, Tahini’s now has more than 75 locations across Canada and the USA, with even more expansion on the way.
But Tahini’s has always been about more than shawarma.
By blending Mediterranean traditions with unexpected flavours and global inspiration, we’ve built a reputation for innovation. Whether it’s introducing bold new limited-time offerings or creating viral menu items that challenge expectations, Tahini’s continues to redefine what Mediterranean food can be. From Shawarma Ramen, which took social media by storm, to countless creative menu innovations, Tahini’s continues to push boundaries and ensure every visit offers something exciting and anything but ordinary.
That same spirit of innovation extends beyond the kitchen. Through bold marketing, digital storytelling, and a community-first mindset, Tahini’s has grown one of the largest social media audiences in the restaurant industry, with nearly 8 million followers across platforms and more than 15 million weekly video views.
More than a decade after opening its doors, Tahini’s remains driven by the same mission that started it all: To bring people together through incredible food, bold ideas, and an unforgettable guest experience.
Thank you for being part of the Tahini’s story. We can’t wait to continue growing.
