Jan. 4, 2023

The owner of Kabab King has sold his restaurant and plans to return to operating a food truck.

Moe Fares started selling Mediterranean food on the streets of Sioux Falls in 2018. He sold the food truck and opened his restaurant and market with Mediterranean groceries in 2021 in the former Taco John’s building on East 10th Street.

“I gave it a try and lost a lot of money,” Fares said, noting that he doesn’t regret his efforts.

The restaurant closed just before Christmas.

He’s planning to buy a food truck or trailer and begin operating once the weather warms up again. He sold the business name, so “I’m going to get a new name for myself.”

Fares, who was born in Lebanon, worked for 27 years as a senior systems analyst for Qatar National Bank before moving to Sioux Falls. That’s when he decided to start a new career.

“I went from enhance the product to enhance the food,” he said in an interview when the restaurant opened. “I like it. I found myself here in the kitchen.”

While the original food truck and the restaurant had a more extensive menu with kababs, shawarma, falafel and gyros, he’ll shrink the menu this time.

Fares said he’s planning to serve gyros with chicken, lamb or beef and cheeseburgers. He’ll also make french fries.

“Four items is enough. More than anything, it will be better for me for my age at least,” he said, chuckling.

The new owner did not return a message to talk about plans for reopening. It’s not clear if the new restaurant will continue to serve Mediterranean food or if it will be a different type of cuisine.