BY LINDSAY BU | Mamoun’s Falafel on MacDougal St. in Greenwich Village is the city’s oldest falafel place and one of the city’s best-known Middle Eastern eateries. Since opening in 1971, the original Mamoun’s Falafel has expanded to five other locations in the New York area.
In its latest move, the falafel king is now relocating its East Village operation from 22 St. Mark’s Place to 30 St. Mark’s Place.
Eastern Consolidated commercial real estate firm has arranged a 10-year lease at the new 1,400-square-foot location. The new space is about twice the size of Mamoun’s current East Village site, though just a few storefronts down the street.
Mamoun’s workers move at lightning speed when they put together falafel sandwiches, so it’s not surprising that the entire transaction was made in just three weeks.
“The landlord is thrilled and Mamoun’s is thrilled to be staying on the same block between Second and Third Aves.,” said Jeff Geogehan, the director of Eastern Consolidated, who represented Mamoun’s. “We didn’t even have time to market the space at 30 St. Mark’s Place.”
Hosame Kaid, the current manager of the 22 St. Mark’s Place Mamoun’s, explained that the quick move was spurred by a desire to better serve the customers.
“We’re simply moving because of space,” he said. “We’re just expanding to make everything a little better — there will be more seating for customers, and also more kitchen staff. We’re adding a few things to our menu as well, like a special homemade rice.”
Kaid added that the current Mamoun’s on St. Mark’s will stay open until the new site is completely renovated and ready. Though he did not know the precise timeline of construction, he predicted the renovations will occur during March.
