Med Deli introduces new acai bowls and Francesca's opens on Franklin Street

 Mediterranean Deli

Acai bowls are the newest health-kick on the market, and Mediterranean Deli has you covered. 

Now a staple of the Franklin Street restaurant scene, Mediterranean Deli began in 1992 as a small falafel restaurant with a limited menu. Owner Jamil Kadoura became inspired to offer the the new dish after a family trip to California.

“We always find new ideas and introduce new dishes,” Kadoura said. “It's healthy, it's trendy and it's good — and you know we are in a college town, and people really like it.”

While Kadoura and his team came up with eight different recipes, the restaurant offers a “Create Your Own” option. Their “Classic Bowl” is a smoothie-like blend of banana, strawberry, apple juice and, of course, acai berries. This treat rich in antioxidants is then topped with sliced fruit, granola and honey.

Their recent sales seem to prove that Med Deli management caught on to the food trend at just the right time.

“They are selling really well, but we expect the sales to double or triple once in warms up in the spring and summer," Kadoura said. 

Med Deli can be found at 410 W Franklin St. selling a variety of acai bowl recipes for $10. 

Francesca’s in Carolina Square

The newest boutique to come to Franklin Street had its grand opening Saturday. Francesca’s is a women’s clothing and accessory store that started in Houston, Texas.

“We love the family orientation here — how everyone is very welcoming here, which everyone has been," said retail manager Alexandria Rolon. "And we like the feel that everyone can just walk here.”

While Francesca’s is geared towards women’s dresses, Rolon said her favorite items extend to other merchandise.

“Probably the gift items and the shoes," Rolon said. "We have so many little knick-knacks that you wouldn’t think of. It’s kind of like a one-stop shop."

Heavenly Buffaloes

A key part of any March Madness party is the right kind of Buffalo wings. Fortunately, a new restaurant named Heavenly Buffaloes is aiming to come to Franklin Street just in time. 

“We’ve had requests from Chapel Hill residents,” co-owner Mark Dundas said. “Chapel Hill deserves what Durham has.”

Heavenly Buffaloes made its mark on Durham after it opened its doors almost four years ago.

The wing restaurant was the 2017 winner of INDY Week's "Best Wings in Durham County" and the runner up for “Best Wings in Orange/Chatham Counties." They have plans to expand their menu. In conjunction with over 20 sauce options, Dundas described plans to add Buffalo chicken sandwiches and even vegan Buffalo wings. 

The new location is taking over the building formerly occupied by Sandwhich at 407 W Franklin St.

Dundas said to keep an eye on their social media accounts for more information. 

“We are shooting to open around the first week of March," he said. "We want to be open for the start of March Madness.” 

@MichaelJTaffe

city@dailytarheel.com