In time for the good weather, Euclid Avenue’s dining scene is expanding for Case Western Reserve University and the University Circle community. Osmow’s Shawarma has recently set up a storefront, and a new Chick-Fil-A location is expected to follow soon.
Osmow’s Shawarma has expanded to more than 150 locations and is now setting up shop near CWRU at 11415 Euclid Avenue. Canada-based and fast-casual, the restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes as well as Canadian fusions such as Shawarma Poutine.
Additionally, as announced in May, Chick-Fil-A will be opening its first storefront in Cleveland. The installment will be taking the place of the former CLE Clothing Co.’s space on 11435 Euclid Avenue. The locally-owned restaurant will be in convenient proximity to CWRU, Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals.
In a statement after the announcement, Chick-Fil-A said, “We look forward to working through the approval process and are excited by the prospect of joining the Cleveland community and serving neighboring businesses, hospitals and schools.”
Chick-Fil-A also stated that each of its restaurants create around 80 to 120 jobs, potentially providing employment opportunities for CWRU students and other members of the University Circle community.
“I can’t wait for the coming of the new Chick-Fil-A on Euclid,” first-year student Nathan Chung said. “It has to be my second favorite fast food chain that I have ever had and not only do they have some fire chicken sandwiches, but they also have some really good waffle fries.”
Other students expressed their excitement for the new dining options, especially for Chick-Fil-A’s waffle fries.
“Its cool that it’s going to be there,” second-year student Santana Saavedra said, nodding to the waffle fries, macaroni and cheese and Chick-Fil-A sauce, as particular favorites, despite being a vegetarian. “A lot of my friends are excited about it, though I don’t think I’ll be going often.”
Despite the overall excitement, there were mixed feelings about the entrance of Chick-Fil-A due to corporate values displayed by the restaurant’s management.
“I’m not big on Chick-Fil-A due to certain business practices, but I love me some shawarma,” first-year student Sophia Byl said.
Other students shared the same sentiments, specifically regarding workplace harassment of people belonging to the LGTBQ+ community in Chick-Fil-A branches.
“I think there could be something cooler there, other than something related to the franchise,” third-year student Eddie Rodriguez said.
Adding on to the new installments, Trader Joe’s will be arriving in University Heights in the fall of 2026. It will be Northeast Ohio’s fourth branch of the grocery chain, offering its exclusive collection of gourmet, frozen and organic food products for Cleveland-area residents.
As new storefronts fill in along Euclid Avenue and the nearby area, CWRU students and faculty will soon be able to enjoy late-night shawarma, post-exam Chick-Fil-A or weekend grocery runs with friends.