A small Syrian flag sits by the cash register at Shish Kabob Grill in Denver, a symbol of heritage and resilience. Restaurateur Obeid Kaifo, a Syrian-American, prepares for a long day of serving shawarma and other traditional dishes, reflecting on recent events in Syria with hope.
Kaifo celebrates the fall of Bashar al-Assad after more than five decades of brutality, seeing a chance for a free and pluralistic Syria. He emphasizes that Syrians’ unity lies in their diversity—ethnically, religiously, and culturally—and believes that despite fears surrounding rebel leaders like Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the populist movement is truly driven by the people’s desire for freedom.
Kaifo also reflects on his personal experiences in Syria, including encounters with government corruption, mandatory military service pressures, and travel restrictions. Yet, he remains optimistic about Syria’s future and expresses pride in its cultural richness, history, and people.
Beyond politics, Shish Kabob Grill has become a vital part of Denver’s community. The restaurant survived the pandemic, city construction challenges, and economic fluctuations, maintaining its role as a gathering space for families, friends, and generations of customers. Kaifo emphasizes the importance of small business support, noting that restaurants like his are more than eateries—they are cultural touchstones where Syrian heritage thrives in America.