In 1978, a young Adel Mahshi, on his first-ever trip to the United States, was driven through Old Towne Orange and immediately fell in love.
Adel soon after, immigrated to the United States and settled in Orange.
At the time, Byblos was an existing small Deli and Middle Eastern grocery store ran by a husband and wife.
Adel and his newly-wedded wife Zalfa, would frequently visit the market to buy all their Middle Eastern groceries.
Adel loved the place so much, he wanted to buy it.
He would ask the owner every time they visited if, they would sell the business to them.
One day, after 10 years, he said yes! The Mahshi's took ownership on January 14, 1989 and continued the deli and grocery store for 7 years.
Adel would use that time to test the waters with his true passion, being in the kitchen.
He would make daily Byblos specials, like Kafta or Okra and Green Bean Stew, while still serving sandwiches and chips.
In 1996, they made the biggest decision in Byblos history, to convert the market and deli into a full-fledged restaurant, Byblos Café.
Byblos Café's popularity grew as their new Middle Eastern flavors became more popular with food enthusiasts.
As the years passed, the Mediterranean diet has become a dietary staple, around the world, known for its healthy, organic, and flavorful cooking and appreciated for it's authenticity and passion.
Since 1989, Byblos Cafe has become an authentic, hometown favorite right in the heart of Old Towne Orange.
