Sawsan Abublan is CEO and Co-Founder of Shawarma Press®, the first authentic shawarma franchise in the United States.
Her fascinating story involves a career pivot of working 17 years as a pharmacist to pursuing her dream as a successful restaurateur.
With a diverse metroplex like Dallas-Fort Worth as their hometown for over 25 years, Sawsan and her husband -Supply Chain expert- Dr. Ehap Sabri (Ph.D), recognized a niche gap in the QSR market and became determined to bring authentic and fusion shawarma flavors to the masses.
After researching the region’s demographics, perfecting family recipes, and consulting with top chefs in the Middle East, Sawsan opened her first Shawarma Press location in 2017 in Irving, Texas. With fresh high quality menu items, the concept caught on, and the restaurant kept its doors open during the pandemic with omni channel technology like their own online ordering website and App. Shawarma Press emerged stronger after the pandemic and grew from 1 to 8 stores in 2 years within Texas and Georgia with more in the pipeline.
The brand earned several awards in 2022, 2023, and 2024 including Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers, the Most Innovative Supply Chain by Franchise Update Media. Sawsan won a Gold Stevie for Best Entrepreneur in Franchising, a Gold Stevie for Woman of the Year in Franchising, and a Silver Stevie for Achievements in Diversity and Inclusion..
Sawsan represented Shawarma Press at the prestigious 2024 Multi Unit Franchise Conference in Las Vegas seeking enthusiastic investors who will further expand the Shawarma Press footprint across the United States.
The brand is well known for supporting local charities especially homeless shelters by donating freshly made wholesome meals and is a supporter of CORE (Children of Restaurant Employees) a non profit organization.
Because it proves it’s never too late to follow your dream.
She attended college with the intention of having a long career as a pharmacist. Even though her first career was rewarding, she thought about what it would be like to go from comforting patients to offering customers comfort food with her favorite Mediterranean recipes.
Because Sawsan dared to switch courses and follow her dream, Shawarma Press is poised to become one of the nation’s leading fast casual franchises. When asked if she plans to expand internationally, she says:
“The sky’s the limit. I am so humbled by everything we have achieved so far, and we will continue with meaningful growth in select cities and states, and one day, perhaps, internationally.”
As an executive, university business professor, and author, Dr. Ehap Sabri, Ph.D is integral to the growth and development of Shawarma Press. With more than 30 years of experience, he is sought after for his expertise in strategy development, supply chain, management, and innovative solutions for executives and managers. He has provided consulting services and held advisory roles for many retail and manufacturing companies, providing subject matter expertise and approaches for success in end-to-end transformation, digital technology enablement, change management, education, organizational structure, and performance measurement.
Ehap’s industry experience and success as an ex-KPMG managing partner have positioned him to spearhead the Shawarma Press expansion into Walmart stores and to implement best practice processes across all brand levels. His vision for the brand is strong expansion, noting, “Our plan for the expansion is to open over 50 Shawarma Press locations during the next five years to provide healthy and authentic Mediterranean cuisine to the masses”
Ehap’s impressive credentials include a doctorate in Supply Chain Management from the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. He is also a Certified Fellow in Production and Inventory Management (CFPIM) by APICS and has achieved Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt in process improvement.
Dr. Sabri is a Certified Fellow in Production and Inventory Management (CFPIM) by APICS, with a PhD. in Industrial Engineering /Supply Chain Management and has published 5 books & 8 book chapters. He has several industry & journal articles and presented at different industry conferences. Ehap is currently the US supply chain planning leader at EY, an adjunct professor for MBA program at the University of Texas at Dallas and serves as the board president for a non-profit public charter school.
Ehap is a big supporter for Shawarma Press core values:
Social Responsibility, Integrity, Trustworthiness and Excellence.
As a marathon runner, he is also a strong advocate of going the extra mile in customer service and high-quality ingredients.
Ehap also serves as board president for a non-profit public charter school. His favorite quote is “going the extra mile in what we do will inspire others to do the same and promote a culture of excellence.”
Based on the restaurant’s success and Sawsan’s business acumen, she recently announced rapid franchise expansion with 10 new locations ready to launch throughout Texas and Georgia including locations inside Walmart.
“We take pride in being the first establishment to bring an Authentic shawarma franchise to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex,” Sawsan said. “It’s exciting that the enthusiasm and support from our customers is allowing us to expand throughout Texas and other states as well.”
One of the pillars of the company’s mission is to give back to the communities Shawarma Press serves. Core values include Social Responsibility, Integrity, Trustworthiness, and Excellence. Sawsan explains “Embraced by everyone on our team, these values are also extended to our customers and community. Our business engages with local charities to ease families’ hunger and give back to the community, something that started locally, but one day will expand globally.”
Since November of 2019, Tom Parks has served as VP of Franchise Development for Shawarma Press Franchising, LLC.
From August 2015 to present, Tom also serves as Chief Development Officer and co-founder of Premier Franchise Solutions, a full-service franchise consulting, sales, marketing, and advertising agency for emerging franchisors.
Tom has been involved in the awarding process of hundreds of franchises both domestically and internationally for brands including Two Men and a Truck International, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, and Best Life Brands.
Tom is responsible for all aspects of domestic and international franchise development for Shawarma Press Franchising, LLC.
Charles recently joined Shawarma Press Franchising as the Director of Operations and Franchisee Support. His role includes supporting franchisees with operations, onboarding, training, franchisor relations, system & processes, and advises the franchisor on vendor relations and executive management.
Charles has been in the restaurant world for over 15 years and brings with him a wealth of experience. His formal culinary training and expertise in operations were strengthened by his time with such concepts as The Capital Grille and Topgolf. Charles has helped franchise operations grow both domestically and internationally and is a welcome addition to the Shawarma Press Team.
You will never be alone. The Shawarma Press franchise team is ready to offer hands-on support to guide you on your franchise journey. Partner with us today and take the first step toward owning a thriving Shawarma Press Mediterranean food franchise!
With a passionate, experienced, and efficient way of doing business, the Shawarma Press franchise team has managed to solidify a strong, appealing, and thriving Mediterranean food franchise business model.
When you join Shawarma Press, you are part of a warm and supportive team of hard workers, pursuing a common goal to build an exciting QSR franchise featuring healthy and savory Mediterranean flavors.
Feel confident with the expertise of a committed franchise team dedicated to you and your growth.
Find out more about the Shawarma Press franchise team!
