D.C. Farm Stand 'Z&Z' Opening Middle Eastern Eatery In Rockville

ROCKVILLE, MD — Z&Z has been serving up Middle Eastern food at a D.C. farmers market stand for the last five years, but now they're bringing their cooking to Rockville. Their restaurant is expected to open on Oct. 2 at 1111 Nelson Street.

Z&Z may be new to Rockville, but the family that runs it has a long standing connection. In 1982, Fayez Khawaja opened Chicken Tonight, a fried chicken and sub shop. He ran that shop until he sold it in 2006. His grandchildren recall growing up in that restaurant and in the two that their parents owned — Chicken Basket and Muna’s Cafe.

Five years ago, the Dubbaneh siblings decided they wanted to open their own farm stand and sell the Middle Eastern food that their parents and grandparents thought people in Montgomery County wouldn't want to eat, their website says. The manoushe that they make will be a highlight of the new eatery in Rockville. They also sell Z&Z spices, which can be found in some stores around the DMV.

"People loved us at the farmer’s markets, but they wanted a 'home' to visit whenever the mood for a manoushe struck," the siblings wrote on their website. "When asked about a brick and mortar location, our answer was always the same: maybe one day. . . "

When Khawaja sold Chicken Tonight back in 2006, Slice of Rockville took its place. That pizzeria closed this summer, and the Dubbanehs realized it was the perfect place to start their restaurant.

"After 5 years at the markets we're moving into a place that's very special to us," they wrote in an Instagram post. "The very same place our grandfather started our story nearly 40 years ago when he opened his first restaurant."

The siblings — led by brothers Johnny and Danny, Eater DC reported — took their family members to Slice of Rockville and surprised them with the announcement that it was to become Z&Z's new storefront. The restaurant posted an emotional video of the family walking in, and realize what was going on.

Z&Z Manoushe Bakery is planning a '80s-themed grand opening event to honor the original Chicken Tonight. Check it out on Oct. 2 from 3 to 9 p.m.