When you meet Dina Daniel, founder and chef of Fava Pot, it is clear why her restaurant is more than a place for a delicious meal; it’s a place that feeds the soul. Upon opening her door, kind smiles light up the room and the aroma of hot aish baladi (Egyptian flatbread) wafts from the red brick-oven. Lamb fattah, stuffed grape leaves, gollash, kunafa… the list of authentic Egyptian and Middle Eastern dishes make it easy to want to order one of everything.
This thriving restaurant is a product of a dream come true. Originally from Cairo, Dina had a lucrative career in the real estate and restaurant industries having opened the first Lebanese restaurant in Egypt. In 2004, Dina decided to emigrate to Washington, D.C., arriving without friends, family or connections. Through hard work and resilience, she rose through the ranks and became a Director of Donor Relations with Coptic Orphans, a non-profit that works to improve the lives of children in Egypt.
While feeling fulfillment in her charitable work, Dina desired to bring her love of food back to the table. Fava Pot would become that opportunity to bring together her love of Egyptian cuisine and her mission to give back.
A true labor of love, Dina invested in a food truck that would become the traveling home of her business. As the appetite for her food increased, her ever-growing, loyal customer base encouraged Dina to open her own brick-and-mortar restaurant.
Molly Bance, EDENS’ Leasing Representative connected with Dina to find a welcoming place at the Shops at West Falls Church in Virginia. “What Molly did is far more than just a transaction, she believed in me,” said Dina.
Molly, along with EDENS’ Tenant Construction Manager Rob Jakubik, closely collaborated with Dina every step of the way; design, buildout, and securing a place in the community that Dina could confidently and happily call home.
“You are investors, you’re not just owners. EDENS has the right people doing the right things. Rob and Molly took the time to meet with me and explained every detail with compassion,” continued Dina.
In 2017, Dina celebrated the official opening of Fava Pot, while her famed food truck continues its rounds along the Washington Beltway. Fava Pot at West Falls Church is much more than a restaurant, it represents how far Dina has come.
Serving as a reminder of the great possibilities to come, a T.S. Eliot quote is shared on Fava Pot’s website: “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
Canvas