This Middle Eastern restaurant chain is expanding in the US — here's what it's like to eat there

A slice of Lebanon has come stateside, and it seems as though it's here for the long run.

Semsom, a Lebanese fast-casual chain with about a dozen locations in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, is planning to open two more locations in New York City, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Lebanese entrepreneur Christine Sfeir — who in 1998 opened Lebanon's first Dunkin Donuts franchise at age 22 and has grown it to a 30-store operation — started Semsom in 2008.

By 2011, the first franchise opened in Saudi Arabia, and Semsom quickly became the fastest-growing company in Lebanon. 

With an ambitious expansion goal by 2020, Semsom is poised to make waves in the fast-casual marketplace.

I decided to see for myself if Semsom has what it takes to tackle America's toughest restaurant market: New York City.

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Semsom's first US location — two more are due this spring — is a colorful spot on the corner of Astor Place and Broadway. It opened in May 2015, and has been busy ever since.

Source: Wall Street Journal

I walked in around prime lunchtime, and it was pretty packed — but the line seemed to be moving quickly.

The space is small, but well organized with plenty of seating. The decor is bright and clean, with lots of purple and blue touches.