Shish Kebab House of Tucson fights to stay open and feed community after 33 years amid rising food costs

Shish Kebab House of Tucson has served Middle Eastern food on Tucson’s Eastside for 33 years. Co-founder Reina Alas opened the restaurant in 1993 with her former husband, and learned many of its recipes from his family in Jordan.

The locally owned restaurant is now facing much higher food and delivery costs tied to the war in Iran. Alas said a case of pita that once cost $5 now costs about $30. A case of halal chicken has risen from roughly $65 to $70 last year to $156 this year.

Alas has raised menu prices and used her personal savings to keep the restaurant operating. She said the financial pressure has affected vegetables, meat and other kitchen supplies.

Even with the challenges, Alas said she remains committed to her customers and the community that has supported the restaurant for decades. She also said cooking continues to bring her personal satisfaction.