After Five Years, Boaz in University Heights Switches to Sitoo's Lebanese Grill

A healthy spread at Sitoo’s. Credit: Courtesy photo

After an inauspicious start – opening its doors in early March of 2020 only to close them days later – Boaz Café in University Heights persevered and went on to feed and nourish the community for five years.

Last month, ownership made the decision to convert the restaurant near the campus of John Carroll University to a Sittoo’s Lebanese Grill (20630 John Carroll Blvd.), which opened immediately. The decision was based on the needs and desires of the customers in the area, says owner Fady Chamoun.

“We felt that the neighborhood wanted more of a sit-down service experience – more than standing in line, getting a bowl and sitting down,” Chamoun explains.

Like many bowl-based eateries, Boaz guides customers down the line, where cooked and prepared food sits at the ready for customized assembly. Even with systematic additions, it was a challenge to keep everything fresh, the owner adds.

While Sittoo’s is still a fast-casual restaurant, the food is prepared to order and delivered to the table, Chamoun explains.

“At Sittoo’s, we make everything fresh, right from the stretch,” he says.

The Chamouns launched Sittoo’s in 2005 as a quicker-paced, lower-priced alternative to Aladdin’s Eatery, which they introduced in 1994. This latest location on Cleveland’s east side brings the total number up to seven. Management says that the aim is to open four to five new locations in the region in the coming years.

Chamoun says that there are no changes planned for the sole remaining Boaz location in Ohio City (2549 Lorain Ave., 216-458-9225).

“Boaz on Lorain is doing really, really amazing,” he says. “It has doubled in sales.”

In addition to Boaz, Sittoo’s and Aladdin’s, the Chamouns operate three Taza locations that offer an elevated Middle Eastern dining experience.

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This article appears in Apr 10-23, 2025.