A Phoenix in Chapel Hill — Helping Med Deli Rise from the Ashes
Award-winning. Authentic. Absolutely adored by all of Chapel Hill. There are as many accolades you could bestow on Mediterranean Deli as there are choices in its display cases. Since 1992, the deli and bakery has been an institution on Franklin Street, earning a reputation that spans far beyond the Tar Heel state.
Sadly, on July 22, tragedy struck the restaurant’s infrastructure but not its spirit. While roof work was being performed, a fire was accidentally ignited. When owner Jamil Khadoura smelled smoke, he discovered a small ball of fire that quickly spread throughout the 81-year-old building. Khadoura and his staff immediately evacuated everyone to safety and the Chapel Hill Fire Department sprang to action. After several hours, 48 firefighters managed to contain the blaze, but not before $3 million worth of damage was done to Med Deli.
Community Rallies behind Med Deli
Jamil Khadoura has always regarded his employees as family, most of whom have worked at his restaurant for 12 years or more. Overnight, he was dealing with not only the devastation of his business, but grappling with how to support more than 50 people who were temporarily out of work.
Thanks to the community, he didn’t have to worry for long. Within hours, a Go Fund Me campaign had been created to establish an employee relief fund. The initial goal was $100,000. But many customers are aware of Khadoura’s countless contributions to the community over the decades, so they stepped up big to support him in his time of need. In a matter of weeks, 3,126 donors showed their love and support for Med Deli in the form of $213,836.
The Long Road to Chapel Hill
Khadoura is no stranger to adversity. Raised in Palestine, the Six-Day War in 1967 displaced him into a United Nations refugee camp at just seven years of age. While there, he got his first taste of the hospitality industry.
During recess, Khadoura would slip away to a struggling falafel pita stand that was next to his school. The owner, Mr. Majed, showed the eager seventh grader the ropes and let him fill customers’ orders. His love of cooking was solidified.
In 1982, Khadoura immigrated to the United States to pursue business management at the Minnesota School of Business. After school he worked his way up the ladder in the food and beverage industry, and eventually relocated to North Carolina.
With many years of hospitality experience under his belt, in 1992 Khadoura felt ready to pursue his ultimate dream: owning a restaurant. The venture was a family affair from the beginning. Khadoura’s wife, Angela, opened the 12-seat falafel shop with him, and his sister Nabile and mother Ayshi helped with the cooking. With only a six-foot display case, Med Deli initially only sold yogurt, hummus, baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves and tabouli.
Why Community Matters
Living in a refugee camp taught Khadoura the importance of community, especially during difficult times. The formative experience inspired his lifelong support of people in need. Over the years, Med Deli has stepped up during natural disasters and humanitarian crises, raising funds for the victims of an earthquake in Turkey and Syria, a hurricane in Haiti, flooding in Pakistan and Syrian refuges.
Brighter Days Ahead
The Mediterranean Deli team has banded together to fulfill catering orders, operating out of the space previously occupied by Elaine’s on Franklin Street. By October, they hope to offer dine-in services there with a limited menu. Khadoura has vowed to rebuild, and until his full operations are back up and running, the Go Fund Me donations are providing much needed financial relief to his employees and their families.