Refugee to restaurateur: Al-Thekali combines cuisines from old and new homes

Over 800 people, Greeks and non-Greeks alike, lined up at a restaurant near Victoria Square in central Athens to receive their complimentary chicken gyro sandwich. Lights twinkling in the trees outside, lively music and decorations welcomed customers to the grand opening of Al-Thekali, an Arab-Greek restaurant which offers cuisine that caters to Athens's diverse residents.

Although not the first Arab restaurant to open in Athens, this one is unique because it was set up by a Greek couple and a Syrian refugee. The co-founders believed that creating a culinary space under the same roof for both refugees and Greeks would help the two communities appreciate their similarities. They are motivated by a simple mission: to make food that makes people feel at home no matter where they come from or how much money they have.

Eyad Al-Thekali, a Syrian businessman and entrepreneur,...