Moby Dick has just opened its most recent location, joining FiveGuys, Chipotle, Java Nation, and more at the Kensington Shopping Center– 10506A Connecticut Ave. Kensington, MD.
The local Persian kabob chain recently opened a new Montgomery County location in Burtonsville and has an upcoming location in Potomac’s Cabin John Village. The menu includes slow-braised stews and flame-grilled meats, house-made seasonings and marinades, and fresh whole pita bread baked in a traditional clay oven.
Founder Mike Daryoush emigrated to the United States from Iran in 1975. He opened a small sandwich shop in 1987 in Bethesda, Maryland, serving a few Middle Eastern dishes. He changed to a Persian menu and added a clay oven in 1989. The name references one of the biggest kabob joints in Tehran, which was right near the American Embassy during the Shah’s time. It was called Moby Dick, apparently because the owner really liked the book. Daryoush passed away on May 9, 2019, only a week after the chain’s 30th anniversary.
Moby Dick shared on its website that it is gearing up for significant growth as it looks to franchise on a national level. Under the leadership of CEO Ned Daryoush and COO Alex Momeni, the brand is actively exploring expansion through strategic area franchising opportunities, bringing its beloved Persian cuisine to new regions across the country.
“The Moby Dick House of Kabob story is not unlike many other great ‘realize the American dream’ stories: have an idea, work hard to make it happen, create value for others, and your idea matures into a successful venture. Through it all, Moby Dick continues to be unyielding in the belief of “never cutting corners.” This is the inspiration behind the kabobs, gyros, falafel, baklava, and our other food items with the character that you love and crave.”