Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Issa.
Hi Jeff, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my culinary journey in 2019, driven by my passion for cooking and the belief that doing what you love leads to fulfillment. Specializing in Mediterranean cuisine, my menu includes delicious gyros, shawarma, and falafel, all crafted with a commitment to quality and authenticity.
From the start, I faced challenges, especially with the high costs of starting a food truck. But with determination and support from friends, I secured a loan and purchased my first trailer. Over time, my dedication to quality, from homemade sauces to scratch-made falafel, helped me stand out.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, I temporarily closed but then reopened and began catering for employees of YouTube, Facebook, and Google. This catering work was a significant turning point, helping me build a loyal customer base. I handled early morning catering orders before opening my business for the day, working long hours and gradually seeing my business thrive.
My Mediterranean offerings, especially my gyros, shawarma, and falafel, have always stood out, earning praise for their quality and taste. Customers often return because of the unique flavors and the care put into every dish.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. The first year was especially challenging. I started in 2019, and covering basic expenses like rent, electricity, and bills was very difficult while the business was still finding its footing. I originally wanted to start with a food truck, but the cost was too high, so I had to take out a loan and rely on the support of a friend to purchase my first trailer.
Then came COVID in 2020, which forced me to shut down temporarily like many other restaurants. When I reopened, I had to adapt quickly to survive. I began doing catering orders, which meant waking up very early to prepare food, completing large orders by mid-morning, and then running the business alone until late at night. It was physically and mentally exhausting, but I stayed focused and committed. Those struggles taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of believing in what I do, even during the hardest moments.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Gyro Center?
My business focuses on authentic Mediterranean food made with quality and care. I specialize in gyros, shawarma, and falafel, with everything prepared in-house, including homemade sauces and falafel made completely from scratch. What sets us apart is flavor and consistency — many customers tell us they’ve tried Mediterranean food elsewhere, but once they try ours, they keep coming back.
Our falafel, in particular, has become something we’re known for. People often say it’s unlike anything they’ve had before, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of. Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the loyal customer base we’ve built through hard work, word of mouth, and staying true to our standards. This brand is rooted in passion and the belief that doing what you love leads to fulfillment — and that shows in every dish we serve.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, my long-term goal is to open a full restaurant. While the food truck has been an incredible foundation, it naturally comes with limitations — space and equipment make it difficult to expand the menu as much as I’d like. A restaurant would allow me to fully express my creativity and bring more depth and variety to the food.
I’m excited about the opportunity to introduce more flavorful dishes and a larger menu that reflects the full range of Mediterranean cuisine. There are many items I haven’t been able to offer simply because of the size and setup of the food truck, and a restaurant would give me the flexibility to do that the right way. The focus will always stay on quality, but with more room to grow, experiment, and elevate the experience for our customers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.gyrocenteratx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gyrocenterrosedale?igsh=MTN0NHkyNG12ODZubg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DZXc3cgso/?mibextid=wwXIfr
