The Merched Twins' Secret: 7 Reasons Andalous Mediterranean Grill Is Expanding With 3 New Concepts In Dallas

As of December 2025, the culinary landscape of the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area is about to get a major infusion of authentic, family-style Mediterranean flavor. Andalous Mediterranean Grill, a beloved local institution known for its charcoal-grilled kebabs and generous portions, is not just maintaining its status as a DFW favorite; it is actively expanding its footprint with the announcement of three new concepts across the Dallas metroplex. This expansion is a testament to the success of its unique blend of Greek, Lebanese, and broader Mediterranean cuisine, all rooted in deep family tradition. The story of Andalous is a rare and compelling one, centered on twin chefs who have turned their family's culinary heritage into a thriving, modern restaurant chain. Since its founding in Las Colinas, Irving, in 2012, the grill has become synonymous with fresh ingredients, a vibrant atmosphere, and the kind of authentic flavors that transport diners straight to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. This article dives into the latest updates, the powerhouse twin chefs behind the brand, and the must-try menu items that have fueled this incredible growth.

The Masterminds: Biography of Twin Chefs Sam and Wassim Merched

The heart and soul of Andalous Mediterranean Grill lie with its founders, the twin brothers Sam Merched and Wassim Merched. Their story is one of dedication to family recipes and a passion for bringing authentic Mediterranean cuisine to a wider audience.

• Names: Sam Merched and Wassim Merched
• Title: Co-Founders and Twin Chefs, Andalous Mediterranean Grill
• Founding Location: Las Colinas, Irving, Texas
• Founding Year: 2012
• Culinary Background: The brothers spent years operating their family's award-winning restaurant before launching Andalous, inheriting generations of culinary knowledge.
• Cuisine Focus: A fusion of Greek, Lebanese, and traditional Mediterranean flavors, emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients and Halal preparation.
• Current Operations: Sam and Wassim Merched now oversee the established locations in Irving, TX, and Arlington, TX, and are leading the charge on the development of three new restaurant concepts.

The Merched twins’ commitment to quality—from the charcoal-grilled meats to the warm, handmade bread—is the foundation upon which the entire Andalous brand is built. Their business model successfully bridges the gap between fast-casual dining and gourmet, authentic ethnic food.

The Menu Powerhouse: 5 Signature Dishes Driving the DFW Expansion

Andalous Mediterranean Grill’s menu is a carefully curated collection of the region's best dishes, focusing on freshness and flavor. The popularity of these core items is what has allowed the Merched brothers to scale their business so successfully, making them a top choice for Mediterranean catering in the DFW area.

1. The Famous Chicken Shawarma

The Chicken Shawarma is arguably one of the restaurant's most talked-about dishes. Thin slices of chicken breast are freshly grilled and served with their famous garlic paste, tomatoes, and pickles. The balance of the smoky chicken and the creamy, potent garlic sauce makes this a top seller.

2. Kofta Kabab (Best Seller)

For meat lovers, the Kofta Kabab is a must-try. This "Best Seller" features grilled ground beef that is expertly marinated with a special blend of spices, onion, and parsley, offering a rich, savory flavor profile. It exemplifies the grill's mastery of charcoal-grilled kebabs.

3. Decadent Dips and Handmade Bread

No Mediterranean meal is complete without a selection of dips. Andalous excels here with its classic Hummus, the vibrant Spinach Hummus Dip, and the traditional Baba Ghanoush. These are all served with warm, handmade bread, which is often praised in customer reviews.

4. The Vegetarian Sampler Platter

Recognizing the demand for plant-based options, Andalous offers an excellent Vegetarian Sampler Platter. This allows diners to sample a variety of traditional Mediterranean delights such as crispy Falafel, seasoned Dolmas (Grape Leaves), Spanakopita (spinach pie), and fresh Tabouli or Fattoush salad.

5. Diverse and Fresh Salads

The restaurant is celebrated for its commitment to fresh vegetables. Diners can enjoy a vibrant selection of salads, including the classic Greek Salad, Tabouli, Fattoush, and Couscous. These fresh, light options perfectly complement the heavier grilled meats.

The Latest Buzz: Andalous Mediterranean Grill’s 3 New Concepts

The most exciting news for fans of Andalous is the confirmation that the small, family-owned chain is branching out with three new restaurant concepts around Dallas. While specific details on the themes of these concepts are still emerging, this move signifies a major shift from a local favorite to a regional powerhouse in the Mediterranean food scene. This expansion is likely driven by several key factors that have solidified the brand's success:

1. Halal and Dietary-Friendly Options

Andalous is a top-rated choice for Halal food in the DFW area, which broadens its appeal to a significant portion of the community. Their commitment to catering to diverse dietary needs, including robust vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, ensures a wider customer base.

2. Catering and Group Focus

The restaurant has established itself as a leader in business and event catering, with extensive menus featuring everything from Mini Chicken Shawarma Sandwiches to large Catering Platters. The ease of ordering for large groups via platforms like ezCater has created a reliable, high-volume revenue stream.

3. The 'Authentic' Experience

In a competitive market filled with other strong Mediterranean contenders like Terra Mediterranean and Luna Grill, Andalous consistently stands out by emphasizing its family recipes, a true Mediterranean Mezza experience, and the use of a traditional brick oven for specialties like *Sfeeha* (meat pies). Diners consistently praise the food for being "delicious and portions are generous." The Merched brothers are leveraging their decade-plus of success to introduce new dining experiences to Dallas. These new concepts are expected to further showcase the depth of Mediterranean cuisine, potentially focusing on specific regional specialties, more upscale dining, or even a fast-casual model to compete directly with other major chains. Regardless of the format, the foundation will undoubtedly be the same: the high-quality, authentic flavors that have made Andalous Mediterranean Grill a DFW staple since 2012.

Detail Author:

• Name : Mathew Durgan
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• Email : micaela.schmeler@hotmail.com
• Birthdate : 2005-07-14
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