Middle Eastern spot Maz Mez to fill storefront left by Big Tomato

Downtown Wilmette’s momentum keeps sizzling.

The latest addition to the village’s dining scene, Maz Mez, will soon open at 1109 Central Ave. in the space that previously housed Big Tomato.

Wilmette’s Appearance Review Commission unanimously approved during its Monday, Nov. 4 meeting a request from the restaurant’s ownership to install a new wall sign on the exterior of the existing building.

In mid-October, Wilmette’s Zoning Board of Appeals also unanimously approved the restaurant’s special-use request. The necessary final approval for Maz Mez is slated for the Nov. 14 meeting of Wilmette’s Village Board.

During the appearance in front of the zoning board last month, Maz Mez owner Rubair Abuhamama told commissioners that the Wilmette location will be the restaurant’s second. It currently operates one location in Elk Grove Village.

Maz Mez’s Wilmette eatery will operate under a limited-service model, meaning it will not be a full-service restaurant that offers table service.

Abuhamama said that he is estimating about an even 50-50 split between eat-in and carry-out orders. The inside of the space will feature approximately seven tables for seating, he said.

Proposed hours of operation are 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. seven days a week, per Abuhamama.

According to information submitted to the village, Maz Mez is a Middle Eastern grill “where (the) specialty is delicious cuisine created with the ingenuity and passion inspired by the fantastic flavors.”

The departure of Big Tomato in mid 2024 left a vacancy in downtown Wilmette but the space on Central Avenue did not remain unoccupied for long.

As first reported by The Record, Big Tomato officially closed its doors in late June of this year, marking the end of a 13-year run in the heart of Wilmette.

Local officials are eager to fill the vacancy with another dining option in the village center.

“We are looking forward to some interesting cuisine in the area,” Zoning Commissioner Marcia Sullivan said at the Oct. 16 meeting.

The Record could not confirm a precise timeline for Maz Mez’s opening prior to publication time.

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