1981

After working as a sous chef at the Sheraton in Oklahoma City for a year, it became important to Atif to be able to maintain a schedule that allowed him to be home with his family for dinner. He was part owner in a pizza restaurant and then left after a short while to open Mediterranean Imports, focused initially on imported groceries from around the Mediterranean and on vitamins and supplements. Atif and his wife, Afaf, ran the small operation.

Each year, as popularity grew so did the store's selections. The grocery section expanded, a gourmet deli of imported meats & cheese were added, and finally the restaurant/eating area. With each expansion, the location moved down the block of stores on 36th and MacArthur until settling into the corner position.

As Oklahoma grew to love Middle Eastern cuisine, Atif & our crew made many appearances at the Arts Festival of Oklahoma in the early 90s. People were discovering the delicious secret of Middle Eastern cooking and they loved it!

In 1996, Mediterranean Imports moved to the May Avenue location you know today. Today, Mediterranean Imports is a community staple - providing the flavors of home from all over the world for Oklahoma's melting pot. Hummus and tabouli are now commonplace in any home, and we're proud to have played a role in Oklahoma's edible journey.