Sawsan Abublan

Sawsan Abublan is CEO and Co-Founder of one of the most rapidly expanding fast casual restaurants in the United States, Shawarma Press. Her fascinating story involves a career pivot of working 17 years as a pharmacist to pursuing her dream as a successful restaurateur. While managing a team of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Dallas for more than a decade, she noticed the Mediterranean food she and her family craved was almost non-existent, even though other ethnic restaurants in the area were plentiful. With Texas well known for its diverse cuisine, Sawsan recognized the opportunity and was determined to bring authentic, healthy, Mediterranean fare and fusion dishes to the masses.

In 2022, Sawsan captured the attention of the restaurant industry by securing an unprecedented partnership for Shawarma Press with Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer. Since then, Shawarma Press has grown from 1 to 11 locations in the past three years and is expanding in Texas, Georgia and Kansas.

With Sawsan at the helm, Shawarma Press earned several awards in 2022, 2023, and 2024 including Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers and Shakers and the Most Innovative Supply Chain by Franchise Update Media. Sawsan won a Gold Stevie for Best Entrepreneur in Franchising, a Gold Stevie for Woman of the Year in Franchising, and a Silver Stevie for Achievements in Diversity and Inclusion.

Sawsan represented Shawarma Press at the prestigious 2024 Multi Unit Franchise Conference in Las Vegas seeking enthusiastic investors who will further expand the Shawarma Press footprint across the United States. The brand is well known for supporting local charities especially homeless shelters by donating freshly made wholesome meals and is a supporter of CORE (Children of Restaurant Employees) a non-profit organization.