A group of Vermonters with roots in the Middle East will open Nomads at 177 Church Street in Burlington by the end of May. Co-owner Mahati Mohamed, 33, said he and his business partners plan to share their Egyptian, Iraqi and Moroccan heritages with a menu of shawarma and falafel wraps, doner kebabs, salads, and dips. They will also serve shawarma on a bun, as is customary in Mohamed’s native Egypt, and some American classics, he said.
The small restaurant is best known as the former Big Daddy’s Pizza. In November 2023, Marco’s Pizza moved there from its longtime South Burlington location, only to close last spring after less than a year and two rebrands. The space is currently being renovated with Middle Eastern décor, such as filigreed metal pendant lamps.
Mohamed, who has a degree in marine engineering, has worked in construction and real estate since he arrived in Vermont a decade ago. He described himself and his friends and co-owners, Mehdi Faddi and Mahmoud Badra, as “half nomads, half Vermonters,” hence the name of their restaurant.
“We left our homeland, traveled far and built a new life here,” Mohamed said. “But no matter where you go, food is what connects you to your roots.”
He called the Nomads menu “a mix between American and Arabic food,” the former including Philly cheesesteaks, chicken wings, milkshakes, and fair favorites such as deep-fried Oreos and Snickers bars.
Mohamed acknowledged that downtown construction will challenge the business, but he hopes the quality of the food will draw customers. All meat will be halal, and no alcohol will be served. Nomads will be open from noon six days a week, with late-night weekend hours.
This article appears in May 7-13, 2025.
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