By Ilona Horvath
The name of this family business in the downtown core needs no introduction to long-time residents of Lowertown and Sandy Hill. All who love shawarma and other Middle Eastern dishes know 3 Brothers, which has operated in three locations for many years, at on 160 and 530 Rideau Street , and another, catering mainly to University of Ottawa students, at 142 Osgoode Street.
The 3 Brothers Shawarma and Poutine establishments offer fast food with a Canadian twist and Middle Eastern food such as shawarma, poutine, falafel, donair, chicken wings, salads and pizza. Web surveys shows that 3Brothers is consistently listed among the best shawarma places in Ottawa.
“Very fast and delicious shawarma. Really similar to the ones you can eat in Lebanon.” according to one online review. The shawarma poutine is the preferred option for many customers: “I would never have thought to put these two things together, but somehow it works. Have I had better shawarma?” Good to know when you want to satisfy your appetite and look for a quick, delicious and affordable meal in the area.
My first encounter with Joe Karakouzian, one of the owners of 3 Brothers happened in 2017 when our Lowertown community was organizing a party to celebrate the heritage designation of the Macdonald Gardens Park.
At that time, Joe worked at the restaurant on 530 Rideau Street. I would occasionally see him driving his beloved 1914 Ford-Model T car, which, coincidentally is the same year the park was officially inaugurated! The idea came quickly to invite him to participate in the party. Joe graciously agreed to showcase his precious vintage car in the park during the heritage celebrations. It was a very popular attraction.
Five years later I was happy to see Joe again for an interview and learn about 3 Brothers and their business philosophy. Joe takes pride in supporting the local economy by purchasing from farmers in the area whenever their low profit margin allows. He is also great supporter of the local community: for example in 2017 he hired and trained Syrian refugees in his kitchen, helping them make Ottawa home.
He himself is an immigrant who started working as a dishwasher at the age of 14. He has worked hard ever since and contributed to the success of 3 Brothers.
This family-owned restaurant has been in business for over 20 years. Their competitive advantage is that they are able to offer high-quality, healthy food at a competitive price. However, this otherwise successful family business has encountered challenges since the beginning of the pandemic.
Although pandemic restrictions are hopefully over, significant price increases for ingredients and rises in other expenses pose new challenges. “I strongly feel that inflation is here to stay and will continue to affect small businesses.” Joe told me. In addition, operating a business in this part of town these days also means that sometimes there are added costs due to vandalism and break-ins, which have been on the rise.
3 Brothers is committed to continuing to offer tasty, fresh food in all their locations. Which brings me back to the most important part – the food. Their garlic sauce is phenomenal, their grilled eggplant is out of this world, and of course, you can’t forget their famous poutine. It really is that good!
But don’t take my word for it; you will have to try it or one of their other specialities. Support your local restaurants and pop by 3 Brothers for lunch or dinner, or order online. You won’t regret it.
Order online: https://www.3brothersshawarma.com/
Tel: 613-241-2220