By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
South Side 6 is billed as a party store and Mediterranean grill, but it is so much more.
People might first stop in at the unassuming storefront at 737 S. Main St. for the gyros, wings and burgers or to pick up some beverages or other party staples, but they come back for the quality of food and customer service.
Amal and So Shaheen, who first owned the business in 1992 when it was only a convenience store, have recently returned after a four-year “retirement” to run the operation.
The Bowling Green couple has built the business into a fan favorite after adding a deli in 2002 and additional enhancements when they took ownership back over this year. They added all new equipment, opened up the space “to give people a little more room when they are waiting,” and painted the interior a “nice, bright white color,” So Shaheen said.
With the help of sons Omar and Mo, the business is a true family affair, and that family includes their customers, Shaheen said. During his so-called retirement, Shaheen realized how much he missed his customers when he saw them in public and they asked how he was doing. “I missed the my customers, community and the money,” he said with a smile.
“We are so happy to be back. We love every one of our customers. This is such a good, welcoming community,” he said.
He’s a firm believer in customer service. “So many times you go somewhere and you just get a shrug of the shoulder. After spending $30, you don’t even get a ‘thank you,’ a ‘come back,’ or ‘appreciate you coming in’, he said.
When customers come in to spend their money, Shaheen makes sure to smile, thank them and show a little appreciation. And if they happen to walk in while he is mopping the floor, he doesn’t mind if they leave footprints. “Without them walking in, we would not have their business,” he said.
At South Side 6, a smile and friendly service is part of their brand promise, on top of great-tasting food.
They are known for their Lebanese/Mediterranean specialties: especially carefully crafted lamb, chicken or mixed gyros, as well as chicken shawarma; Fattoush and tabouli salads (or a South Side Special with Fattoush, tabouli and falafel); homemade hummus and chips; kabobs and mix grill combos; baklava and rice pudding for dessert; and grape leaves and a personal favorite, heavenly Hummus Heaven.
Shaheen uses the freshest, top-quality ingredients for their food, including beef from Belleville Brothers Market. They also make their own hummus and pita chips, which many customers claim are addicting, he said.
Additional, more traditional offerings include wings, chicken strips, burgers (including the humongous Route 25 Burger or the Gyro Burger), fish sandwiches, chili dogs, and sides such as fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, mushrooms and bread.
Shaheen is quick to point out that quality is most important, which is why “we don’t have a 99-cent menu.” There are other nearby fast-food restaurants that offer tbargain food items.
“You can complain about the price here, but you can’t complain about the quality or the love and care that goes into the food,” he said.
The shop also caters meals and offers traditional party supplies such as domestic and imported beers, wines, snacks, pop and ice, and they carry cigarettes and fine cigars.
Though the business reopened in October, Shaheen is excited for the official Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday (Nov. 12) at 4 p.m. when he will get to use the big scissors with the help of Bowling Green Mayor Mike Aspacher and other city and Chamber officials.
He has hired a magician and clown for entertainment and has promised free gyros from 4 to 9 p.m. on the ribbon-cutting day now that it appears they have reached 10,000 followers on their Facebook page. He will add fries if that number goes over 10,000.
South Side 6’s regular hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and closed on Sundays. For more information, call 419-352-8639 or visit the Facebook page or website.
