The Dough Show Bringing Middle Eastern Dining to Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, FL – The Dough Show is preparing to open in Jacksonville this November, bringing a Middle Eastern-inspired dining experience to the Bartram Park area. It will be located at 12681 Bartram Park Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32258. We came across the story first in the Jacksonville Daily Record.

The concept is led by co-owners Omar Shawky (President), Ihab Mahmoud (CEO), and Mohamed Momen (Chairman), who together bring decades of experience in both the restaurant industry and international business. Shawky told Business Debut that the potential opening date will be in the second week of November.

A Middle Eastern Concept for Every Customer

The Dough Show aims to be the leader in Middle Eastern cuisine in the U.S., just as Chipotle has become for Mexican food. The brand’s vision is to make authentic flavors approachable for the everyday American diner.

“We're trying to bring the Middle Eastern food into an American brand; we're inspired by the heritage of the food in the Middle East,” Shawky said. “Our food is very yummy, flavorful, craveable, and we're planning to serve everybody, not just serve a certain community or the Middle Eastern community, but we're trying to serve every American Joe.”

The Jacksonville restaurant will feature 130 seats, including 50 on a covered patio, plus the brand’s first drive-thru, a new step for the growing chain. Guests will also enjoy an open kitchen where they can watch the culinary “show” in action.

Flavors From Egypt, Turkey, and the Levant

The menu highlights three pillars of Middle Eastern cuisine:

• Fattir (Egyptian stuffed pies): A 4,000-year-old product with a heritage since Pharaoh's time, and can be made with savory or sweet dough.
• Bowls and Shawarma (Levant region): Inspired by Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, with shawarma wraps and hearty bowls.
• Mixed Grills (Turkey): Elevated the mixed grill.

Guests can expect an affordable luxury experience, with meals averaging $12 to $13 per person. The restaurant is positioned as smart casual, where customers order at the counter, kiosk, or app, but food is delivered to their tables with hospitality-driven service.

Expansion Plans and Owners' Experience

The Jacksonville restaurant will be the brand’s third location in Florida, following openings in Orlando and Tampa. Additional restaurants are scheduled to open in Sarasota, Boca Raton, Sunny Isles, Plantation, and near Disney by the end of the year.

Momen, the chairman, has owned and operated over 180 restaurants throughout his 35-year career. Shawky and Mahmoud are focused on scaling the brand in Florida and beyond.

Shawky emphasized that each location operates with an owner-operator model, ensuring hands-on management, and does not franchise. “It's a great market and we're looking forward to serving it,” Shawky said.

Follow for More

To learn more, visit The Dough Show in Jacksonville’s website or follow them on Facebook or Instagram for updates on the grand opening.