Openings

Falafel Factory Coming to Center City

Photo: Falafel Factory

Falafel Factory, a new takeout falafel joint is set to open at 18th and Ranstead in the third week of January, if all goes smoothly with the health department. Owner Rob Rimeris tells us the spot has been four years in the making, which was way longer than he had planned for - the upside is he says it gave him an opportunity to perfect his falafel recipes. Rimeris, who previously owned a chain of magic stores and also worked in a local falafel restaurant he declined to name, plans to offer a taut menu of six different varieties of falafel, from the traditional, to more exotic Hawaiian and California versions, stocked with pineapples and cream cheese, respectively. He’ll also offer falafel in both fried and baked incarnations, for those who prefer to eat healthier.

While Rimeris says while all of food - the falafel, bread, sauces - will be prepared in-house, he’s made an exception in the case of the French fries, which will be frozen, a choice he says he made because he believes the flavor and texture are more consistent than with fresh-cut fries (Stephen Starr made a similar choice at SquareBurger). He’s also focused on the “healthy and green” aspect of falafel, all of which you can read about in a manifesto on the Falafel Factory website.

The space was designed by architects Sandvold Blanda, who are also responsible for various Iron Hill’s and Marathon Grills, and features reclaimed white pine paneling and limited counter seating. They’ll be open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Falafel Factory, 32 S. 18th St.; (215) 564-0064

Falafel Factory Coming to Center City