Yafo taking the space formerly occupied by Just Fresh in Dilworth

Judging from the 2,500+ likes and 500+ comments when we broke the news on the Agenda Instagram yesterday afternoon, people are freaking out in excitement. Comments ranged from “WOOP WOOP” to “This is a life changer” to “Omg omg omg” to “MIND BLOWN.”

Given Yafo’s credibility and brand awareness, this new Dilworth location will be an immediate hit. I’m bullish.

It’s a perfect location for Yafo and Edens (which owns Kenilworth Commons) is lucky to have them as a tenant. Just look at the way that Sabor, Golden Cow and Tandur followed Yafo’s opening in SouthPark’s Morrison Shopping Center  — suddenly taking it from a sleepy shopping center to a popular SouthPark destination.

“I love Dilworth,” Yafo owner Frank Scibelli told me. “I had Bad Daddy’s and Cantina 1511 in that neighborhood.”

Shai Fargian, Yafo’s executive chef who was born and raised in Israel, will oversee everything and Carmen Vasquez, a 16-year employee of parent company FS Group, will lead the Dilworth location as chef/partner.

Yafo’s flagship location is in SouthPark and a third Yafo is already in the works, targeting a July opening in Plaza Midwood.

Scibelli told me over the phone that he’s also got Ballantyne, Uptown and Birkdale on the radar.

Don’t look now, but falafel, hummus and shawarma bowls are taking over the city.