Nestled in the heart of Old Town Split, Croatia—a historic area that dates back almost 1700 years—there’s a fast-food gem serving up Mediterranean delights like falafel, shawarma, and kebabs. The story behind this beloved spot is as rich as the flavors they create. It begins with four cousins, ages 22 to 24, who saw an opportunity, followed their instincts, and built something extraordinary.
The cousins come from Macedonia, where their fathers—first cousins themselves—have been running a successful fast-food business for over 30 years. Inspired by their fathers’ work ethic, the young men decided to try their hand at business in Croatia, a place they felt was missing a quality kebab shop.
“We saw a need for a kebab shop and tried it out,” one of the cousins explained. “The first year was slow, but each year after has built significantly.” Four years later, their restaurant has become a local favorite, known for its fresh ingredients, warm service, and a customer-first philosophy passed down from their fathers.
Alongside the fast-food restaurant, three of their five sisters—supervised by their mother/aunt—opened a gelato shop just a few steps away. These two businesses are a family affair, running from March through October before the cousins and sisters return to Macedonia. Back home, they either help in the family restaurant or pursue studies in engineering, medicine, or other fields.
The Secret Sauce: Love and Relationships
When asked how they manage to work together so seamlessly, the cousins don’t hesitate: “We love each other, and the most important thing is the relationship.”
That relationship extends to their customers as well. Their customer service philosophy is simple but powerful:
• Smile: “We are always smiling, with good energy and vitality.”
• Service Excellence: “The service has to be excellent… the best. This was instilled in us by our fathers.”
• Problem-Solving: “If we have a customer who isn’t happy, we apologize and fix it. If not, we say we’re sorry, and they just move along.”
Their approach isn’t just talk—it’s embedded in their operations. They cater to a diverse customer base, from residents (many over 60) to tourists from around the globe. Language barriers? No problem. Between them, they speak Albanian, Turkish, French, Spanish, Polish, Swedish, Italian, and, as they joke, “pointing.” But they know the best language of all: service with a smile.
“It shows respect,” one cousin said. “We’re trying to communicate, and they love it.”
From 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. every day, the cousins are behind the counter, creating fresh food and delivering excellent service. “That’s unheard of in many places,” they admit, but it’s part of their commitment to making the business thrive.
Freshness Is Key
The cousins pride themselves on quality and freshness. Every topping is prepared daily, the recipes are homemade, and the sauces are made fresh each morning by their mother/aunt. “Everything is fresh. “Everything is really good,” they say with pride.
What Happens Next?
As for the future? None of the cousins are married yet, but they laugh about growing the next generation to carry on the family legacy. “We’ll see what happens when we get there,” they joke.
A Message to You
When asked what message they’d like to leave readers, the cousins’ enthusiasm is infectious:
“Come to Croatia and have a falafel or a kebab! I love that you are coming to visit us.”
Why This Matters
The story of the four cousins and their falafel shop is about more than food. It’s about vision, relationships, and the joy of creating something meaningful. Success doesn’t just come from hard work—it comes from passion, respect, and the ability to connect with others.
Next time you’re in Split, follow the aroma of fresh kebabs to the Old Town. You’ll find great food and a family who have turned love and tradition into a thriving business.
