Aly Baba
At merely 50 square miles wide, and found near the southernmost region of the Judean mountains, Jerusalem is the spiritual center to more than 15 billion people within the world’s most populous faiths.
With the richness found where cultures converge, Jerusalem Restaurant (now Aly Baba), offers a sampling of the region’s best traditions.
For those seeking a taste of the Middle Eastern city in Charlotte, its no surprise that they can find it at Aly Baba, Yahia Baghdadi’s restaurant o! Sharon Amity.
He pays homage daily to his spiritual home – serving healthy, fresh food and o!ering genuine camaraderie to guests.
“Now, I’m bringing home back here,” Baghdadi said. “I have people who come here every day and if they don’t, they feel like something is missing.”
Born and raised in Jordan, with family lineage from Iraq, Baghdadi moved to the United States in 1979. “I met a girl from Tennessee,” he said. “So I moved there.”
With Tennessee as his home base, Baghdadi nurtured his entrepreneurial spirit. He traveled around the country pursing new ventures, landing in Charlotte 17 years later to enter the telecommunications business.
After two successful ventures, Baghdadi felt something was missing in Charlotte. He couldn’t find a place to make and connect with new friends so he started one and in 2006 Baghdadi opened Jerusalem Restaurant.
At Jerusalem (now Aly Baba), patrons can find traditional delectables from Egypt, Morrocco, Syria and Jordan, reflective of its multi-ethnic staff.
Favorite dishes include Baba Ghannoug (baba ganuj) an eggplant made with sesame seed oil, lemon juice and fresh garlic and Arabic Shawerma, roasted white and dark meat with shra’ok bread.
“This is just a place where people can relax and enjoy the food,” he said. “Every meal is special.” And as a father of seven ranging from ages one to 28-years-old, Baghdadi likes that Charlotte is a great place for families.
“I love the family atmosphere,” he said. “Its a great place to raise your kids.”
Profile written by Ayofemi Kirby