Vienna, VA coffee shop Caffè Amouri announced that founder Michael Amouri has died peacefully at home.

According to FFXnow, Amouri died this past weekend, more than three years after he was diagnosed with lung cancer. The outlet reported an outpouring of tributes from customers, current and former employees, friends and local leaders, who remembered Amouri for his dedication to the Vienna community.

“It is with great sadness and gratitude that we share with you that Michael Amouri passed away peacefully at home,” Caffè Amouri said. “Michael loved every bit of life and was a tireless promoter of community and loved Vienna dearly. We will miss him with all our hearts.”

Amouri opened Caffè Amouri on Church Street in Vienna in 2010 as an independent coffeehouse and artisan roastery. The business was founded around the principles of quality, community and sustainability, with an emphasis on creating a gathering place for the local community.

Amouri was also active in the community outside of the coffee shop, including as a longtime youth sports coach and Vienna Business Association board member, according to FFXnow.

In 2018, the business expanded its educational focus with The Caffè Amouri Experience, designed to make coffee education accessible to both industry professionals and consumers interested in learning more about coffee.

The restaurant concluded its announcement with a phrase it said Amouri often used: “PEACE.”

Since early 2024, co-founders Shihan Chowdhury and Amgd Gende knew they had something special to bring to the people. When they launched Flavor Hive as a food truck in Alexandria, VA, it immediately gained viral attention for their “walking taco” chip bag concept; $10, any size bag, and they will load up the ingredients to the point where that chip bag could feed a small family. These days, you see many small and large businesses adding a similar item to their menus, hoping to capture the same magic that Flavor Hive did when they started out.

With that success, came opportunity. A little after a year went by, and the partners opened their first permanent brick-and-mortar restaurant in Annandale, VA. They built out the space to operate like a build-your-own bowl concept, now not just relying on the chip bags that brought them their early virality. Since then, they’ve added new concepts, such as Cafe Hive where guests can bring items to blend into ice cream for their own unique creations. I even did one with Old Bay Caramel Popcorn and Baltimore’s famous Berger cookies (It was fantastic).

Now, Flavor Hive operates at 9 different locations. Most recently, they opened new locations in Waldorf, MD as well as M St NW right in the middle of Georgetown. I got to visit both spaces early, and have no doubts that both will continue the pattern of success that they’ve worked so hard for. The Waldorf location sits adjacent to a creek with beautiful views and a walking path. They also acquired the neighboring space for a sit-down restaurant called “The Creek.” Here, you can try some of Shihan’s other creations from social media such as a chopped cheese sandwich, double smash burger, chicken wings and many others.

The Georgetown location is right in the heart of M St, where you walk in and immediately down into the space that’s decorated with the classic Flavor Hive black and red colors, and has a very intimate feel for such a small space. Both locations of course deliver on Flavor Hive’s promises; large portions, big flavors and a welcoming family feel that would make any customer feel appreciated. As they continue their regional expansion (hopefully with more spots in Montgomery County), I’ll be pulling for their continued success because it’s awesome to see someone like Shihan who grew up in MoCo live out their dreams at such a large scale.

 

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@mr.8.that The @Flavor Hive empire continues to expand and is a testament to hard work and people who are passionate about what they do! Two new locations in the last month! #flavorhive #dmveats #foodiefinds #halalfood #mr8that ♬ original sound – mr.8.that

ZiZa Kabob has opened its first Montgomery County location at 1675 Chapman Ave. in Rockville’s Twinbrook Quarter development. The restaurant is welcoming customers during a soft opening as it continues building and training its team. A video preview of what to expect can be seen below.

In its opening announcement, ZiZa Kabob asked guests for patience and understanding and noted that table service is not yet available. The restaurant plans to introduce table service once its team is ready. Two hours of complimentary garage parking are available seven days a week.

Co-owner Fahim Rafiq previously told The MoCoShow that the Rockville restaurant would mark ZiZa Kabob’s first expansion into full-service dining. The eventual plan calls for counter ordering during lunch and full service beginning at 4pm, but that transition has not yet been implemented.

The menu features homemade Afghan family recipes, including flame-grilled kabobs, stews and aromatic rice dishes prepared with traditional spices. According to Rafiq, the restaurant is 100% halal, with a focus on fresh food, hospitality and a family-friendly atmosphere. All artwork inside was hand-painted and custom-made for the Rockville location.

ZiZa Kabob’s name combines the names of the owners’ children, Zidane and Zayn. The restaurant’s original location is at 7351 Assateague Dr. in Jessup, and the business is associated with Baltimore’s Maiwand Grill.

Rafiq previously said he had always wanted to open a restaurant in Rockville, an area he and his wife frequently visit. When the opportunity at Twinbrook Quarter became available, he quickly fell in love with the location.

 

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