Firdous Express
About Firdous Express:
Firdous is a cornerstone of the North Market, offering Fast Casual Mediterranean Cuisine that has been delighting Columbus for over 30 years. Co-owned by Brenda Medina and Abdul Abermella, the market stand is a vibrant showcase of Middle Eastern flavors. The menu is a delightful collection of everything Mediterranean—from savory gyro and shawarma to fresh, colorful salads and hummus. What truly sets Firdous apart is the commitment to quality: everything is made fresh daily, ensuring an authentic and delicious experience with every bite. When you visit, you’re not just getting a meal; you’re getting food prepared with love and a deep connection to tradition.
How Did The Idea Come About?
The story of Firdous at the North Market is one of continuity and passion. The business itself had a long-standing history, but the current chapter began when the previous owner decided to sell. Abdul Abermella took over the business, inheriting a legacy and committing to its future.
The opportunity to be a part of the North Market was a natural fit. Abdul, and later his partner Brenda, saw the market as the perfect location to share their authentic, fresh cuisine with a diverse community. For Brenda, who has been working with Abdul for over 20 years (since around 2000), the market is more than a place of business—it’s a home. Abdul taught her how to run a business successfully, and together, they have fostered a space where the food is incredible and the atmosphere is genuinely welcoming.
What’s Your Favorite Thing About Being a Part of The North Market?
When asked about her favorite aspect of being a North Market merchant, Brenda Medina doesn’t hesitate—it’s the feeling of family. “Being at the North Market is like being at a big table filled with family,” she shares. Brenda truly enjoys the people, whether it’s her dedicated team, the fellow merchants, or the customers who visit from so many different parts of the world. She emphasizes that the North Market community sees them as small businesses and small families, offering incredible support. For Brenda and Firdous, the customers are more than just a food ticket; they are individuals with diverse backgrounds and stories. Meeting so many people from different cultures—and their friends, family, and loved ones—is a joy she cherishes.
She is also incredibly proud to be an owner and looks forward to the market’s evolution, saying she is super excited about the new addition and building that will bring even more energy to their beloved location.
What Are Must Orders on the Menu?
- Chicken Kabobs
- Fresh Baked Salmon
- Shawarma Platter ( served with/ hummus/ Greek Salad & pita )
- Falafel Platter ( w/ hummus/ Greek Salada & pita)
Story of Firdous and Brenda & Abdul:
Brenda Medina’s journey with Firdous is a testament to the power of shared passion. Having worked with Abdul for over two decades, she learned the intricacies of the business and fell completely in love with Mediterranean food. Her connection to the cuisine is so strong that she brings it into her own family life, a detail she shares with a laugh. With her Mexican heritage, and while she loves her heritage’s food, she found herself making a unique contribution to family gatherings: “I love the food so much that I would bring Mediterranean food to my family gatherings!” she jokes. She even recalls her mom playfully giving her guff for bringing Firdous’s Mediterranean fare instead of traditional Mexican dishes. This anecdote perfectly captures the spirit of Firdous: a business that successfully brings different cultures together at a single table, proving that good food is a universal language. From Abdul teaching her how to run a successful business to the love she has for her team and the food, Brenda’s story is the heart that keeps Firdous thriving as a cherished, decades-old staple of the North Market family.
Email:
livethefreshlife@firdousexpress.com
Phone:
(614) 221-4444
Website:
Merchant's operating hours:
Sunday & Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.