‘Let’s Hummus’ To Expand With Location In Uptown Saint John
SAINT JOHN – The popular Lebanese take-out restaurant Let’s Hummus is moving to 44 Water Street uptown from the north end location where it’s been since it opened two years ago.
The move will also be mean an expansion for the restaurant, says owner Alex Haram.
“It’s way bigger than the other place,” he said. “It has two floors, seating areas and it’s a nice spot.”
An uptown location is a positive step forward after the main beam collapsed in a new location Haram was planning for the west side. He has paused plans for the Ocean Westway spot until he finds out if the landlord will fix the beam or demolish the building and build at the new location.
The Main Street restaurant will not be closed entirely. It will instead be used for catering big orders and baklava distribution.
The restaurant’s expansion uptown was planned well before the Covid-19 pandemic and was almost complete before the province instituted the restrictions that closed the dining rooms of restaurants.
Let’s Hummus received its operating license from the city and is awaiting the green light from the health department. Haram said he hopes to open the uptown location soon after the restrictions are lifted.
Haram says the first 10 days after the provincial closures were horrible and uncertain, but adds he got his business back on track after starting a new delivery system, no-contact pickup and free delivery.
“We came up with ideas to keep rolling and we are willing, if it takes longer, to go further,” he said.
Hummus’ regular contest, posted on their Facebook page, followed a social distancing theme. To have a chance of winning a four-person meal, participants have to comment about something that they learned during the pandemic and send a photo of them doing something at home.
The restaurant has plans to become the first in Saint John where customers can place their orders order live on YouTube and watching the kitchen prepare your order until it leaves the restaurant.
“We have the live channel so we might do it in the new location. I really don’t know when, but we will do that,” shared Haram. “It is unique and makes people feel comfortable.”