Inside Roti Modern Mediterranean’s newest unit

Earlier this month, Roti Mediterranean Grill debuted its new brand name—Roti Modern Mediterranean—and an updated look with the opening of a unit in Northbrook, Ill. This revamped location, the fast-casual chain’s 22nd, features a number of menu items the chain said it hopes to roll out in other restaurants next year, such as lamb meatballs and grass-fed beef. 

“We chose “Modern Mediterranean” because it captures what we do—take classic Mediterranean recipes, spices and flavor profiles and present them in modern recipes and a modern restaurant space,” CEO Carl Segal said. “The Mediterranean diet is foundational to what we do. So we are passionate about fresh vegetables and whole grains, along with our lean healthful proteins.”

The Northbrook location has “more of a Mediterranean feel,” Segal said, noting that its wood accents, ceramic tile and natural color palette embody materials and textures from that region of the world. 

“The feel of the space is more comfortable and inviting,” Segal said. “This design pushes the brand closer to a full-service restaurant vibe, but we will still retain our ordering style where customers walk down the line and see their meal prepared freshly before their eyes.”

To extend that full-service atmosphere, this unit offers wine and craft beer as part of its expanded beverage menu. “Fast-casual restaurants are evolving and customers are using our type of restaurant for more and more occasions, especially dinner,” Segal said. “So it makes sense to have some ‘night time’ beverages.”