With its menu of fresh and delicious Mediterranean specialties, Kebab Craft – a member of the SDTA’s 2023-24 Tourism Accelerator class — has made a major splash at San Diego’s Liberty Public Market. As Black History Month unfolds, we chatted with co-founder (and San Diego native) Shannon Salhany about the inspirations behind the business, where she goes in San Diego to connect with her heritage and what the future holds for this thriving Black-owned eatery.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to launch Kebab Craft — as well as why you felt San Diego was the right place to do so.
A: I was born and raised here in San Diego so I really could not imagine beginning my career anywhere else! I was studying Hospitality and Tourism Management at SDSU when I met my husband, who was also pursuing his master’s degree in Hospitality Management. We clicked instantly. His dream was always to open a restaurant and as I got to know his Syrian background and his culinary experience, I knew that I wanted to follow him in that dream.
Q: What is your recommended must-try item(s) on the menu?
A: Our best seller is the Cali Kebab! It’s a perfect blend of my San Diego heritage with our modern Mediterranean concept. You get your choice of any of our proteins, from fresh sliced gyro to perfectly seasoned chicken shawarma and even falafel, paired with some veggies, cheese, French fries (the best part) all wrapped in a tortilla.
Q: What are a few of your local favorites within your neighborhood?
A: I live in the University Town Center area now, so my go-to’s are Regents Pizzeria and almost anything in the Westfield UTC mall. I frequent the Convoy District a lot, which is only about 5-8 minutes from me. My favorite spot there is Imperial Mandarin Chinese.
Q: For someone visiting your business, what are a few surrounding things that would be interesting to do?
A: Definitely check out the local artists in Barracks 14, the building next door to Kebab Craft (and part of ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station). There’s a lot of walking and exploring to be done within Liberty Station, and so many hidden gems.
Q: Locally, where do you go to connect with your heritage?
A: I always go back to Grandma’s house. I learned how to cook by watching her as a kid. So a lot of the cooking techniques that we use at Kebab Craft are just things that I would see her doing.
Q: What are your favorite Black-owned businesses or Black-centered cultural or neighborhood sites in San Diego?
A: I always remember spending time at the Malcolm X Library as a kid for their Black History Month events. The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade would pass through my grandma’s street. I would wait outside for hours to see the line dancers and band come by the house.
Q: If someone were coming to San Diego for the first time, what would you tell them to do? (Besides visit Kebab Craft, of course!)
A: If someone were visiting San Diego for the first time, I would definitely suggest traveling like a local. There are so many great restaurants to visit outside of the frequented tourist areas. Some of my favorite food scenes locally are in South Park.
Q: What do you think would most surprise a newcomer to San Diego?
A: I think a newcomer would be surprised by how diverse San Diego is. Lots of different cuisines, languages, religions. It’s a huge melting pot.
Q: Looking forward, what makes you excited about growing your business in San Diego?
A: I’m super-excited for all of the new developments in San Diego. The IQHQ in the Marina area, the redeveloped Seaport Village, the Gaylord Resort in Chula Vista. Everything is expanding or being redeveloped. And I hope to put Kebab Craft in some of these spaces and grow our business into a household San Diego brand.