Sittoo’s Settles In: Meet Shaker’s New Go-To Spot

Fairmount Circle just got a flavor upgrade. Sittoo’s Lebanese Grill has moved into the former Boaz space, right next to John Carroll University, bringing fresh, made-to-order Lebanese food to the heart of Shaker Heights. For owner Najib “Nano” Rached, the change isn’t just about the name, it’s about giving the community something familiar, vibrant, and full of flavor.

Boaz opened during the first month of COVID, but it had a rough start,” Nano explained. At the time, the location was run by the corporate team, but when things didn’t improve, Nano pitched the idea to switch the concept to Sittoo’s, a name already trusted across seven other locations. 

“People know Sittoo’s. They trust it,” he said. After taking over and rebranding, business has been thriving. Sittoo’s has become a go-to lunch spot and cozy neighborhood hangout, known for its fresh, made-to-order food and warm, fast-casual vibe. “We try to keep things fresh and simple,” Nano said. “People can see their food being made and know it’s real.”

For Nano, the location is just as important as the food and they never considered leaving Fairmount Circle, even when Boaz was struggling. 

“We love this neighborhood,” he said. “It has a little bit of everything: students, families, and long-time residents. There’s real energy here.” He saw a chance to stay rooted and try something new. The building itself adds a unique twist, sitting right on the border of Shaker Heights and University Heights. “Our address says University Heights, but our sign is in Shaker,” Nano said with a smile. 

“We just say both, but really, we’re proud to be in Shaker Heights.”

Sittoo’s is more than just a business for Nano. As it’s the latest chapter in a remarkable journey. Nano came to the U.S. at 20 with only $500, little English, and no long-term plan—just a drive to build a better life. After a year of working long hours in Boston, he moved to Cleveland to be closer to friends, started working at Subway, and earned a business degree from Cleveland State University. That experience inspired him to open his own Subway restaurant in 2010 with help from his family back home. 

“They sent me a little money to get started, and I paid them back. That was the beginning.” Since then, Nano has tried everything from pizza shops to gas stations, but found his true passion in Lebanese food. He now owns three Sittoo’s locations and stays hands-on with each one. “I love being my own boss,” he said. “But I also love working with people. I have a great team, and I treat them like family.”

That loyalty runs deep, especially during slower business periods. “The hardest part is when business is slow, but you still have to pay your employees and make sure they have their hours,” he said. “They have bills, too. I can’t just cut them off.” 

It’s clear that for Nano, leadership means responsibility and he sees his role not just as a manager, but as a mentor. Many of his younger employees hear his story firsthand. 

“I tell them: work hard early in life. Save your money. Even if you work for someone else, try to build something for your future,” he said. “That’s what I did. I didn’t have much, but I made it work. If I can do it, so can you.”

With two kids still in college and one already out, Nano isn’t quite ready to slow down. Retirement may be some five or six years away, but in the mean time he’s already thinking about what’s next as he hopes to open additional Sittoo’s locations before eventually stepping back. Whether he expands or not, Nano’s impact on Fairmount Circle is already clear: a successful business built on perseverance, purpose, and a whole lot of flavors.

And if you haven’t visited yet? “Come try the best humus in town,” Nano grins. Whether you’re there for lunch, dinner, or just a quick bite, Sittoo’s welcomes everyone like family.

Location: 20630 John Carroll Blvd, Shaker Heights, OH 44118
Website: mysittoos.com