Cedars of Lebanon: A Cornerstone of University District History
The University District (U-District) in Seattle has long been a vibrant hub, shaped by the diverse businesses and individuals who call it home. Among these, immigrant-owned restaurants, particularly those serving Mediterranean cuisine, have played a significant role in defining the area's unique character. This article explores the history of Cedars of Lebanon and its impact on the U-District, highlighting its significance as a cultural landmark and a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of immigrants.
The Avenue: A Haven for Immigrant Entrepreneurs
In the early 1900s, the U-District thrived as a shopping destination, hosting prominent retailers like Nordstrom and JC Penney. However, the rise of malls in the 1950s led to the departure of these large stores, creating opportunities for immigrant entrepreneurs to establish their own businesses. Many Anglo-Americans were reluctant to take on restaurant jobs, viewing them as lower class and lower paying, which further opened doors for immigrants seeking to provide for their families.
Taso Lagos, son of the owners of The Continental, a Greek restaurant that operated on the Ave for 40 years, noted that historically, opening a restaurant didn’t require much capital. This accessibility, coupled with the need for affordable and filling food options, created a niche that immigrant restaurateurs could fill.
Samir Alawar's story exemplifies this journey. He immigrated to Seattle as a refugee in 1977, joining his brother to run Cedars of Lebanon. In 2005, after his brother's death, Alawar opened his own restaurant, Samir's. For Alawar, these restaurants represented the American dream, providing a livelihood for himself, his family, and his future. "I never ever turn my back on this country," Alawar said.
Cedars of Lebanon: A Storied Legacy
Cedars of Lebanon stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of immigrant-owned businesses on the Ave. Established nearly 50 years ago, it is considered the oldest Middle Eastern restaurant in Seattle. John Khalil, the current owner, immigrated to the United States in 1974 after a swift departure from Lebanon. Khalil considers himself a lucky man, as he was quickly accepted into the U.S. and found the cheapest property around, which he secured for his restaurant.
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The restaurant's history is deeply intertwined with the community it serves. Cedars of Lebanon has become a local haunt, a place where people gather to enjoy authentic Lebanese cuisine and experience the warmth of a family-run establishment. As Khalil says, "I came here to create a family. When you’re young you don’t have enough money to make a family, you have to survive. I’ve made my family now."
A Glimpse into Cedars of Lebanon
Cedars of Lebanon offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of a family home. The interior is adorned with green accents, faded airline posters of Beirut, a Lebanese pastoral mural, and photographs dating back to the 1970s. Middle Eastern pop music plays softly in the background, creating a nostalgic and welcoming ambiance. While the door may creak and the floors may be a little sticky, it’s home. Things don’t change in Cedars, and Khalil likes it that way.
The restaurant's menu features a variety of Lebanese dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Khalil prides himself on keeping his prices affordable, ensuring that students and locals alike can enjoy a filling meal without breaking the bank. The falafel is made from scratch, and the sandwiches are prepared freshly with no dairy additives. Cedars of Lebanon even offers breakfast, with a "build your own sandwich" option.
Customers rave about the sturdiness of Cedars of Lebanon and the strength of the relationships that Khalil creates. Once you start coming to Cedars, you won’t stop coming back.
The Threat of Change and the Importance of Preservation
Today, the U-District faces new challenges, including an upzone that permits high rises and an influx of new residents. This change in zoning is increasing property taxes, which landlords often pass on to business owners through higher lease agreements.
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Adding to the uncertainty, local businesses have been experiencing slow business, and competition is fierce. Samir Alawar estimates that Samir's is down by 60 percent. John Khalil, who now runs Cedars of Lebanon, is experiencing the same thing.
The proposed addition of a McDonald's directly across from the light rail station threatens to replace and detract from the mom-and-pop businesses that give the Ave its unique character. The potential displacement of Cedars of Lebanon, a beloved community staple, has sparked concern among residents and advocates.
Many fear that the arrival of large corporations will erode the U-District's unique identity and displace the small, family-owned businesses that have long defined the neighborhood. As one community member put it, "We don't need another town full of boring big-corp chains that have no life. Let's keep our lively, unique, creative, interesting, local, and beautiful community alive!"
Community Voices: Save Cedars, Dump McDonald's
The community's response to the potential arrival of McDonald's and the displacement of Cedars of Lebanon has been overwhelmingly negative. Many residents have expressed their support for Cedars, emphasizing its importance as a cultural landmark and a vital part of the U-District's identity.
Emily, a frequent visitor to Cedars, shared, "My heart breaks for Cedars, which I've been visiting nearly every week since I began working in the University District years ago. The owners are such pillars of the community that I know them on a first-name basis."
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Others have voiced concerns about the impact of corporate chains on the neighborhood's character. Alexander stated, "I understand that we want to improve the Ave, but bringing in a mega corporation to serve poor food at high prices is not the way to do this, please revitalize this space with a business that does a better job meeting the community’s need with healthier food owned by local people."
The outpouring of support for Cedars of Lebanon highlights the importance of preserving local businesses and maintaining the U-District's unique character.
Cedars Restaurant: A Modern Interpretation
While Cedars of Lebanon is a distinct establishment with a rich history, another restaurant named Cedars Restaurant also contributes to the U-District's diverse culinary scene. Located at 1319 NE 43rd St, this Cedars offers a blend of Indian and Mediterranean cuisine, attracting both residents and visitors.
Established in the early 2000s, Cedars Restaurant quickly gained popularity for its flavorful dishes, generous portions, and reasonable prices. The restaurant has expanded its menu offerings over the years, incorporating a wider range of Mediterranean dishes and renovating its dining space to enhance the customer experience.
Cedars Restaurant is actively involved in the local community, participating in neighborhood events and supporting local initiatives. The restaurant hosts various events throughout the year, including special dining nights and community gatherings, which strengthen community ties and foster social interaction.
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