Coming soon: Coco’s Lebanese Cafe off Dickson Street

A banner hangs in front of the future home of Coco’s Lebanese Cafe, a new restaurant set to occupy the back area of Teatro Scarpino in Fayetteville.

Staff photo

If you like Lebanese food, or if you’ve never tried it and you like tasting new things, get ready to be happy. Coco’s Lebanese Cafe will soon open off Dickson Street in Fayetteville.

The new restaurant, located in the back room of Teatro Scarpino at 329-A North West Ave., will focus on traditional Lebanese dishes passed down for generations to owner Genoveva Ancer from her family.

Interior of Coco’s Lebanese Cafe

Staff photo

Coco’s will serve several Middle Eastern food staples including humus, tabbouleh, kibbeh, baba ganoush, kebabs, baklava, and of course, Turkish coffee. Ancer said what will set the restaurant apart is Coco’s commitment to fresh, organic ingredients in dishes that are made to order.

“We hope people will come to us with a little bit of time,” she said. “Everything here will be made by hand, and made from scratch. It takes longer, but it’s worth it.”

Ancer said that opening a restaurant has been a dream of hers, and though she’s never owned one before, she spent plenty of time working in the food industry during her college years.

She’s also gained valuable experience in other ways.

“Having to cook for my large family is like cooking in a restaurant,” she said.

Coco’s will be open Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch, though additional hours could be added if things go well.

Ancer hasn’t set an official opening date yet, but a soft opening is planned for friends and family on Saturday (Oct. 6). Ancer said Coco’s will likely be open soon after that.