New Mediterranean restaurant Big H on 45 opens today
West Point is getting a lot more flavorful, thanks to Mary and Adnan Hanania. After years of operating another restaurant in Fairfield, California, the married restaurateurs have returned to the West Point area and are opening Big H on 45. Starting today at 11:00 a.m., Big H on 45 will be serving citizens of the West Point area both American and Mediterranean cuisine at 7527 Hwy 45 Alt N.
“We used to own a restaurant in Fairfield California. It was the same kind of restaurant, and was called Big H Deli,” said Mary Hanania, owner of Big H on 45. “But we decided we wanted a slower pace of life, so we came to West Point, found a house, bought it, got a business, and now we're opening our restaurant here.”
Mary Hanania lived in the city of West Point until she was four years old and still remembers the city fondly. Her husband, Adnan, is from the country of Jordan and has been cooking Mediterranean food for as long as he can remember.
“My husband, who is part-owner here with me, is from the country of Jordan. He is Middle Eastern, and he does all the cooking here,” said Hanania. “He brings his own flair to it, and he cooks food that is very familiar to him.”
Together, the pair moved to California and opened their first restaurant, Big H Deli. Within its first year, the deli was nationally recognized as one of the top 100 places to eat in the United States. They continued to serve the Fairfield area for five years, before deciding to sell the business to family members and move back to West Point.
“We actually purchased a restaurant in Macon,” said Hanania. “And then this one came available. And when we heard about it, we inquired about it. We flew out in September to see it, signed the lease, and then went back and decided to move. It was a spur-of-themoment move. At that point, it was not planned at all… But when the opportunity presented itself, we were here.”
Now that Big H on 45 is in West Point, the restaurant plans to serve its customers the same way Big H Deli did back in California. The deli was known for its flavors, but also for its portion sizes. West Point customers can expect the same from Big H on 45 as they go to order American and Mediterranean classics.
“We have always described it this way: A lot of food. We are well known for our huge portions and giving people a lot of food. No one ever leaves hungry,” Hanania said. “Everything is cooked fresh daily, and there is really no processed food at all… We also have a lot of vegetarian and vegan options, because Mediterranean food has a lot of options for different diets.”
When asked about their hours on their opening day, Hanania said they will open at 11:00 a.m. and will be staying open for as long as they have customers. The estimated closing time is 6:30 p.m.
On a first visit, Hanania recommended that customers try the roast beef sandwich, the pastrami, or the chicken shawarma. She also had another message for first-time customers and the West Point community as a whole.
“We're truly grateful to be in the community,” Hanania emphasized. “The one thing I would say to the community is to give us a try. Don't let our prices scare you away. When you see the amount of food that you're going to get, you're going to take food home… My husband is going to feed you the way he eats. Give us a try and let us show you what we can do.”
Big H on 45 will be open today at 11:00 a.m. and will be celebrating its ribbon cutting with the West Point Growth Alliance on February 16.