Big Daddy’s Shawarma, a restaurant offering Middle Eastern cuisine, and Freddo, a gelato store, recently opened along Ventura Boulevard on Aug. 26 and Sept. 27 respectively, and have given the Studio City community new dining options.
Big Daddy’s Shawarma is located at the intersection of Laurel Canyon Blvd. and Ventura Blvd. The new restaurant combines Middle Eastern street food with Southern California style. Shawarma is typically slow-roasted, marinated meat served on pita or flatbread.
Margaux Schlumberger ’27 said she is enthusiastic about Big Daddy’s Shawarma’s opening.
“I’m a big fan of shawarma in general so I’m excited to get to try a new variation of the dish,” Schlumberger said. “Especially considering how convenient the location is compared to the Upper School.”
Abby Juarez ’26 said the restaurant opening has her looking forward to being able to leave campus for lunch as a senior.
“I love the food at Big Daddy’s Shawarma,” Jaurez said. “I enjoy food that’s flavorful and spicy so I’m excited to go off campus next year.”
Freddo is a chain of gelato stores with 150 locations worldwide. The first of this chain opened its doors in Buenos Aires in 1969, with the new Ventura Blvd location being the chain’s first in California. Another location is set to open in West Hollywood. Inspired by its Italian roots, the chain has continued to make gelato around the world.
Milakin said, although he has not tried Freddo yet, he looks forward to visiting it for his love of gelato and the location’s close proximity to campus.
“Due to its proximity to the school I am very excited to be able to have it,” Milakin said. “I’ve always been a lover of the various types of gelatos, so although I have not tried this brand yet, I am ecstatic to see more stores like Freddo opening up.”
Charlotte Im ’27 said that she looks forward to having the gelato, and is likely to visit the new store with friends.
“I love ice cream so I would love to try it,” Im said. “Especially because my friends and I need a new ice cream place to go to after school. The Salt & Straw flavors are getting a little boring.”
