The Olive Zaytoona
The Olive Zaytoona is a Mediterranean market, café, and restaurant located at 8015 Bannister Road in Kansas City. Owned by Salah Mansi, a Jerusalem native, and his wife Nijma Mansi, it expands upon their long-standing presence in the local Mediterranean food scene through their original Olive Café, which has been operating for over 20 years at 9530 James A Reed Road. The Olive Zaytoona offers an authentic dining and shopping experience, featuring an industrial bakery producing pita bread, a diverse selection of kosher and halal Mediterranean produce, and a variety of popular dishes such as hummus, shawarma, and kebabs. The establishment aims to serve both the local community and visitors, especially the area’s Muslim population, by reflecting their cultural heritage and culinary traditions while providing a comprehensive Mediterranean hub.
News Summary
The Olive Zaytoona, a new Mediterranean market and café, has opened at 8015 Bannister Road in Kansas City. Owned by Salah and Nijma Mansi, it offers an array of Mediterranean dining options and products. With a focus on authenticity, the establishment also caters to the local community’s diverse tastes through its selection of traditional dishes and grocery items. The Mansi family aims to create a warm atmosphere reflecting their heritage, as they expand their culinary influence in the region, building on their history with Olive Café.
Kansas City Welcomes New Mediterranean Hub: The Olive Zaytoona
The Olive Zaytoona, a new Mediterranean market, café, and restaurant, has officially opened its doors at 8015 Bannister Road in Kansas City. This establishment aims to offer a comprehensive Mediterranean dining and shopping experience, highlighting authentic culinary traditions and unique Mediterranean produce.
Owned by Salah Mansi, a native of Jerusalem, and his wife, Nijma Mansi, The Olive Zaytoona showcases the meaning of its name, “Zaytoona,” which translates to “olive” in Arabic. This new venture expands the couple’s footprint in the local Mediterranean food scene, as they also operate the long-standing Olive Café, located at 9530 James A Reed Road, which has been in business for 20 years.
Key Features of The Olive Zaytoona
The Olive Zaytoona features an industrial bakery that produces pita bread and other baked goods, although this area is closed to public access. However, customers can sample baked items within the café. The market section offers a diverse selection of Mediterranean produce, meats, and dry goods, including imported Palestinian olive oil, canned fava beans, and date-filled maamoul cookies, as well as grape leaves and Arabic candies. Notably, all products sold are certified kosher and halal.
The café itself provides a counter-service format where patrons can enjoy popular dishes such as hummus platters, shawarma, and kebabs. Diners have the option to eat in or take their meals to go. The menu features many beloved items from the owners’ previous establishment, Olive Café, while introducing new selections catering to a wide range of tastes. For added appeal, buffet-style service will be available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Community Appeal
The Olive Zaytoona aims to attract the local community, particularly the significant Muslim population in the area, including visitors from the nearby Islamic Center of Greater Kansas City located at 8501 E. 99th St.. The café decor pays homage to the owners’ roots, featuring photographs of Jerusalem, further enriching the Mediterranean ambiance of the establishment.
Operating Information
The Olive Zaytoona operates daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., providing an accessible option for meals and groceries throughout the week. The launch of this new facility follows recent additions to the local Mediterranean dining scene, including Zhoug Mediterranean and Lebanese restaurant Nour’s, contributing to the growing interest in diverse culinary experiences for Kansas City residents.
Background Context
The owners’ experience in the food service industry is notable, with Olive Café serving as a foundational establishment for the Mansi family. The original Olive Café opened at 3927 Broadway Blvd. seven years post the establishment on James A Reed Road, and it is currently up for sale. This history of success in the culinary market has paved the way for The Olive Zaytoona, which aims to combine the best of the Mansi’s experience and cultural heritage into a thriving food destination.
As Kansas City continues to embrace diverse culinary influences, The Olive Zaytoona stands out as a comprehensive Mediterranean hub, equipped to satisfy both locals and visitors with its unique offerings, reflecting the rich flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean region.
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Additional Resources
- Kansas City Star: New Mediterranean Market Opens
- Wikipedia: Mediterranean Cuisine
- Kansas City Star: Local Business Closings
- Google Search: Mediterranean restaurant Kansas City
- Startland News: Zhoug Mediterranean Restaurant
- Google Scholar: Mediterranean Cuisine
- Johnson County Post: Jerusalem Cafe Opening
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mediterranean Culture
- Startland News: Darna Mediterranean in Olathe
- Google News: Mediterranean food Kansas City
