Oxus7, the first Turkish restaurant in Loudoun County, opened last April with a staff of two in an 800-square-foot space cached in an industrial park. “We started with no experience,” says owner Mitra Sharif, who left a high-paying corporate gig to follow her dream.
“As soon as we passed inspection and everything, COVID hit,” Sharif recalls. The restaurant operated as takeout-only from April until June, when Oxus7 opened its dining room of just eight tables. But the tiny business thrived, in particular due to the breakfast menu created by Elcin Kara, but also chef Vahab Shoar’s enviable halal kebabs.
Now, Oxus7 is poised to move by the end of April to a 1,900-square-foot space in a more visible location in Ashburn. There, the capacity will expand to 60-70 diners, says Sharif. With the larger restaurant will come other positive changes.
Sharif says to expect the popular breakfast menu to broaden. Hours will expand, too. The restaurant will now be open seven days a week and until 9 p.m. Lunch and dinner customers can look forward to more home-baked Turkish pastries, beef doner kebab, and “a few Turkish pizza items.” Sharif encourages diners to check the restaurant’s website and social media pages for updates on the move. // 20937 Ashburn Rd., Ste. 125, Ashburn
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