Shepherd's Kitchen

Name of business: The Shepherd's Kitchen

Type of business: Restaurant

Owners: Saed and Linda Awwad

Founded: 2008

Address: 50 Sand Creek Rd., Brentwood

Phone number: 925-308-7000

Hours: Monday through Thursday 11a.m. to 9p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Number of employees: 5

Products and services: The Shepard’s Kitchen specializes in Mediterranean food featuring kabob, Shawerma, falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, gyro, plus other Mediterranean specialties.

How did you get into the business? “The joy of feeding people a healthy meal in a welcoming environment has always been a common occurrence at our house,” Saed & Awwad said. “The next obvious step was to do this on a bigger scale that would, not only feed people physically, but also feed them spiritually.”

He went on to quote Matthew 4:4 from the bible saying that a "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God".

Best part about the business: “Nothing like it in the East County. The compliments about the food and the atmosphere have been great,” Awwad said.

Worst part about the business: “Honestly, and like most everyone else, it's the uncertainty of not knowing whether we'll make ends meet at the end of the month,” Awwad said.

Key to success: “Faith, a commitment, first of all, to God, who directs our path.
Excellence in quality, service and cleanliness is of supreme importance in this establishment,” Awwad said.

Biggest misperception about the business: “The biggest misperception about this restaurant is that it is for personal financial gain or a "job" of ours. If it blesses us, that's okay, but that's not our focus,” Awwad said. “As we seek to "give" God is faithful to reward accordingly. Motive is key.”
Future plans: “Our focus needs to be on today. If we are found to be faithful in the small things, we'll be entrusted with bigger things in the future,” Awwad said. “Our focus is to serve a healthy, delicious meal to every person who walks through our door.
With that said, our future plans, as finances permit, will include expansion into more square footage and possibly franchising.”