"Opening May 10, 2025, in the former Sari Sari Store at Downtown’s 108-year-old bazaar, this first West Coast outpost will be the chain’s 26th location after making its U.S. debut in New York’s Chelsea Market in 2018 and expanding to Singapore, London, Paris, and Las Vegas. Founded by chef Eyal Shani, who has decades of fine dining experience under his belt and is an influential presence in Israel, the concept centers on Shani’s reverence for pita: “Pita is the most genius food in the world,” says Shani. “It’s like a womb, taking the food inside, and can make so many things.” Menu highlights carry through signature street-food riffs—examples include the folded cheeseburger a la smash burger pita that’s filled with dill pickles and a savory sauce; a pita packed with roasted cauliflower and tahini; and the steak and egg with sour cream, tomato, Lebanese cucumber, salsa, and green onions—while Shani plans to create a signature pita that reflects regional Los Angeles flavors after he visits later this year. Non-pita plates will include a fattoush-inspired salad, a lamb kebab platter, and brisket marinated overnight then seared on a hot grill with aioli; the counter spot will also offer wine and Goldstar beer, and diners can sit around the counter. The space has a fresh look by Turjeman Yaakov, and the opening is a partnership with Pagani Projects founder Giancarlo Pagani, who is also a managing partner at Mother Wolf Group. Situated amid Southern California’s diasporic communities and a local scene that includes venues such as Laya, Ladyhawk, A La Beirut, Kebab Shop, Dune, and past Grand Central Market stands Madcapra and Kismet Falafel (2015–2020), Shani frames the arrival not as competition—“It’s not my job to compete,” says Shani. “I didn’t invent the pita. But I know the roots, ideas, and essence of Israeli food. My job is to invent and find new things.” Beginning May 10, the counter will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Grand Central Market at 317 Broadway, Los Angeles, CA, 90013." - Mona Holmes