Sudanese couple opening Mediterranean buffet near DU

A Denver couple is looking to bring the city together with their food. It’s literally in the name.

Sara Hamid and her husband, Nasr Ahmed, plan on opening Sawa at 1737 E. Evans Ave. by DU this March. The name translates to “together” in Arabic and is an homage to the wide variety of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures that their food comes from.

“You’re going to eat the best hummus of your life (here), I guarantee it,” Ahmed said.

The eatery, which the couple claims is the first Mediterranean/Middle Eastern buffet in the state, will serve classic dishes from the cuisine, like shawarma and falafel. It’ll take around $150,000 to build out the space, Ahmed said. Sawa has operated as a catering-only business since 2019.

Previously, the space was home to local convenience store Choice Market, which was open for only about six months, online reviews indicate. Before then, it was a Japanese takeout spot. Because of the building’s past, the couple won’t hav...