Here are six things you should know about a new eatery in Easton.
Owners have familiar faces
1. Brockton residents Joe and Deb Sawaya own the new take-out restaurant, Not Just Thaboule, 110 Center St., Easton. They previously owned and operated The Pub in Brockton for over 30 years until they closed in 2010 when it became harder to draw customers to the downtown location in evenings. “We were looking for a little take-out place and that’s exactly what this is set up for,” said Joe Sawaya.
Lebanese food a specialty
2. Customers can choose from many Lebanese items like thaboule and grape leaves, two of Joe’s favorites, as well as stuffed cabbage, kibbie, hummus, and baba ganoush. There is also standard American fare like hamburgers, wraps and salads with Joe counting a traditional turkey dinner among his favorites. “My favorite is thaboule. I eat it every day,” said Deb.
He has restaurant roots
3. Joe has been in the restaurant business since he started at Newport Creamery as a dishwasher and busboy at age 14. He was also a manager at the now-closed Thackery’s Table ‘N Tap in Walpole. “I do all the cooking now,” Joe said. “I learned the recipes from the chefs they had there.”
Rolled grape leaves a hit
4. While the inside of he Easton eatery is still similar to Soups on Center, the former tenant, a cash register counter has replaced the ice cream area. The display case currently is empty. “He’s been selling so much Lebanese food we haven’t been able to fill the display cases,” Deb said. Joe said on Christmas Eve alone he made 3,000 rolled grape leaves.
Loyal Pub customers come back
5. Along with a menu nearly identical to The Pub’s menu, Deb said old customers are visiting the new restaurant. “People we haven’t seen in years are coming by,” Deb said. “It’s nice to seem them coming back.”
Catering also offered
6. Not Just Thaboule is open for lunch and dinner take-out food as well as catering. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Call 508-238-0037 for more information.
110 Center Street, North Easton, MA Phone: 508-238-0037
By Paula Vogler
