Issa Dubbaneh immigrated to the United States from Palestine in 1977 to pursue a college education at the University of Maryland. In 1981, during his final year, he decided to leave school to open his first restaurant, Chicken Basket, in Gaithersburg. Together with his brothers, Issa expanded their venture, opening additional Chicken Basket locations in Layhill, Wheaton, and Rockville. Since the 1980s, the family has owned six different Chicken Basket locations in Montgomery County, along with Muna’s Cafe in Germantown a few years back.
Muna Dubbaneh was born and raised in Jordan before moving to Wheaton with her family in 1980. She met Issa a couple of years later, and they soon married. While working in the restaurants, they raised five children—Ronnie (31), Danny (29), Ronia (27), Johnny (25), and Deanna (21)—constantly reminding them to steer clear of the food and restaurant industry. For most of their lives, the children heeded this advice.
However, a few years ago, the Dubbaneh brothers decided to embrace their cultural heritage by creating Z&Z, which stands for Zayt & Za’atar, meaning “oil and herbs.” They began selling their unique blend of herbs and spices, along with Middle Eastern street food, at the Foggy Bottom Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays.
Danny and Johnny have taken the lead at Z&Z, but the entire family is actively involved. It’s not uncommon to see the whole family working together at the Farmer’s Market. Recently, Muna and Deanna were showcasing Z&Z products at Dawson’s Market in Rockville. Issa often mans the grill, while Ronnie and Ronia assist customers, and Johnny dedicates his time to filming and editing engaging marketing videos for the company.
Reflecting on Z&Z’s growth, Danny humorously remarked, “If you would have told me that when I was pushing 30, I’d be spending Friday nights chopping vegetables with my parents, I’d tell you that you’re crazy.” Growing up in Rockville, where all the siblings graduated from Rockville High School, they never imagined they’d be involved in the food business, especially focusing on the Middle Eastern cuisine their father once doubted could gain popularity in America.
Despite their initial reservations, Issa and Muna wholeheartedly support their children’s endeavors. They’re proud of what Z&Z has become. In addition to being available at Dawson’s Market in Rockville and Classic Bakery in Gaithersburg, you can also purchase Z&Z products on Amazon. The Z&Z website goes into detail about their story and also has some awesome tips for how to use za’atar. Check out the official Z&Z Instagram.
Honey roasted za’atar cashews
Labneh and za’atar crostinis
Za’atar and figs