Garlic, Grit, and Growth

Tarek Hmaidan Shares the Phoenician Garden Story on KMJ NOW

Mike Shirinian (Left) and Dave Fansler (Right) with the owner of The Phoenician Garden, Tarek Hmaidan (Middle)

At The Phoenician Garden, we believe food should tell a story. A story of family, flavor, and Fresno pride. In a recent episode of The Restaurateurs on KMJ NOW News Talk Radio 580 AM and 105.9 FM, our owner, Tarek Hmaidan, joined the hosts for a heartfelt conversation that brought our kitchen’s story to the airwaves.

A Taste of Home, Shared On Air

Tarek didn’t come to the studio empty-handed. He brought a feast from our kitchen, including spicy chicken, creamy hummus, crisp cheese rolls, hand-rolled kibbeh, and a generous serving of our signature garlic sauce.

The hosts were hooked at first bite.

“A lot of Mediterranean restaurants are judged by their garlic sauce, everyone talks about the garlic sauce that different Mediterranean places have. And yours kicks. But it’s unique. It has a complete flavor different than I’ve had anywhere else in town.”

— Dave Fansler

Fresno’s Favorite Garlic Sauce

Then they tried the spicy chicken.

“I haven’t had the spicy chicken before. And so that was new. And that was really freaking good!”

— Dave Fansler

Spicy Chicken

From Dishwasher to Owner

During the interview, Tarek shared how Phoenician Garden began. His father opened the restaurant more than 20 years ago, and Tarek, still in high school, started as the dishwasher. His mom helped in the kitchen, grape leaves were rolled by hand, and every meal was made from scratch.

Today, we’re still a family-run kitchen. Our spices come straight from Lebanon. Our grape leaves are still wrapped by the same loving hands. And everything we serve is guided by the same values we started with: generosity, authenticity, and care.

Tarek gave a special shoutout to Hasmeek, who has been with us for two decades. She still rolls hundreds of grape leaves by hand in a single day. That kind of skill only comes from love and tradition.

Warak Inab

“We’ve always been a mom-and-pop kitchen. What you taste is family, every time.”

– Tarek Hmaidan

Great Food, Honest Prices

As the hosts enjoyed their meal, they pointed out something that makes us proud. They talked about how reasonable our prices are, especially for families. Mike asked, “What’s the average? To feed a family?” Tarek replied, “About $20 a person.” The host nodded and said, “You can’t beat that. That’s a hell of a deal.”

We hear this from guests all the time. In a world where a drive-thru combo can run you the same, we’re proud to offer real, homemade food at a price that makes sense. Generous portions, fresh ingredients, and flavors that fill you up without breaking the bank.

A New Chapter in Clovis

Tarek also shared some exciting news on the show. We’re opening a second location near Clovis Community Hospital. It will be smaller, focused on takeout and delivery, and perfect for people on the go.

The same Phoenician Garden flavors, just faster and more convenient.

Whether you’re ordering lunch at the office or grabbing dinner for your family, we’ll be there with food that fills you up and brings you joy.

From Our Table to Yours

We’re so proud to serve this community. Thank you, Fresno, for every visit, every kind word, and every shared meal. Come taste what the hosts were raving about. Come be at home.

VISIT US

Dine in at our Herndon and First location, order online for pickup, or ask about catering for your next celebration.
📍 1025 E Herndon Ave #106, Fresno, CA
📞 (559) 261-2747