GREAT TASTES: “Our Mediterranean-inspired selection is what sets us apart. We take pride in our product and our preparation. We focus on healthy fats, high protein, and fresh veggies. Everything is freshly made every day.” Todd Lukas (left), regional operator for Zoë’s Kitchen, is shown with Sarah Holler, general manger of the new Zoës Kitchen in the Mercer Mall.

Fans of the Mediterranean diet are delighted that they now have a new dining spot to please their palate.

Zoës Kitchen opened December 1 in the Mercer Mall, 3371 Brunswick Pike in Lawrenceville. With seating for 86 inside and 44 outdoors on the patio, the restaurant offers a spacious, attractive setting for lunch and dinner.

“We had been looking at this location, and thought it would be a good match for us,” says Zoës Kitchen regional operator Todd Lukas. “We offer lunch, dinner, take-out, and catering. This is the fast food, casual concept, but it is coming out of a full-service kitchen. This is the real deal.”

Founded in 1995 in Alabama by Zoë and Maximus Cassimus, Zoës Kitchen has been a true success story. Originally focused in the south, it now has 203 locations across the U.S.

Fresh Ingredients

Its emphasis on fresh ingredients and the popular Mediterranean diet has been a big attraction and has contributed to its success, notes Mr. Lukas, and he expects that will be true in the new Lawrenceville location.

“The word ‘Zoë’ means life in Greek. So everything we do — from our food to the way we take care of people — is about delivering goodness from the inside out. Not only do we start with the best ingredients, we prepare them by hand when you order. You won’t find any microwaves or fryers at Zoës either. Just simple, tasty, fresh meals.

“We have really been looking forward to getting the door open and introducing ourselves to the community,” continues Mr. Lukas. “We expect to have customers from Princeton, Lawrenceville, and the surrounding area. This is an excellent location.”

“I could hardly wait for our opening,” adds Zoës general manager Sarah Holler, who had previously been with Zoës Kitchen in Newtown, Pa. “Our neighboring merchants have been so welcoming, too, and they’ve been super excited to see us open.”

Ms. Holler expects customers to appreciate the restaurant’s focus on high quality food, special recipes, and customer service. “We have super high standards for our product, cleanliness, safety, and our staff. Zoës has a reputation for having many regular, repeat customers.”

In addition to Zoës regular menu, customers’ specific dietary needs can be met, adds Ms. Holler. “We can accommodate people with special dietary restrictions, including low calorie choices, vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, etc.”

Many Options

Salads, soups, sandwiches, and entrees are all available, with many options for customers’ tastes. Starters include the very popular classic hummus, served with cucumbers and pita bread; also Mediterranean baked feta, including French feta topped with cherry tomatoes, olives, extra virgin olive oil, basil, calabrian peppers, and pita chips.

The Greek salad is a Zoës favorite, with tomato, cucumber, peppers, olives, onions, feta, and greens, over potato salad, and pita bread. Grilled chicken can be added. The new Live Med salad includes thin ribbons of zucchini and squash, fresh spinach, farro, lupini beans, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and parmesan cheese, tossed with calabrian pepper dressing.

“We are famous for our chicken salad sandwich,” reports Ms. Holler. It features all white chicken, lettuce, tomato, and 7-grain bread. Another favorite is the pimento cheese sandwich, with lettuce and tomato on rye, which is also offered grilled.

Other popular grilled sandwiches include rosemary ham and mozzarella piadina, an Italian flatbread sandwich with grilled ham, fresh mozzarella, mixed greens, calabrian pepper aioli, and lemon vinaigrette. The spinach and mushroom piadina flatbread sandwich offers grilled fresh spinach, mushrooms, feta parsley spread, parmesan, and fresh mozzarella.

Pita sandwiches include Greek chicken pita with lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions, and feta; the Mediterranean tuna pita offers No. 1 albacore, capers, red onions, olives, lettuce, and tomato.

Entrees include the very popular chicken kabob with two kabobs, grilled peppers and onions, tomato, rice pilaf, side Greek salad, and pita bread. Steak, shrimp, veggie, and salmon are other kabob choices.

Popular Entrees

Additional popular entrees are Mediterranean chicken — flat-grilled with caramelized onions, braised white beans, side Greek salad, and pita bread. Spinach roll-ups include tortillas, mozzarella, fresh mushrooms, feta, roasted tomatoes, scallions, fresh side, dipping salsa, with the option of grilled chicken.

Fresh sides include braised white beans, roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, potato salad, Greek salad, and fresh seasonal fruit, among other choices.

Zoës “Pick Two” is a big favorite with customers, and offers half classic sandwich, and choice of bowl of soup, fresh side, Greek salad, and dessert for $7.39.

Desserts include the house-baked chocolate chip or lemon cookies, and Zaya’s homemade chocolate cake.

“Customers really enjoy everything across the board,” says Mr. Lukas. “The fresh-baked pastries are big favorites.”

And so are the prices, with appetizers starting at $4.99, salads and sandwiches from $7.39, and entrees from $8. A kids’ menu is also available, including grilled chicken fingers or chicken salad sandwich at $3.99; piadina sandwiches at $4.99, and kabobs at $5.99.

Available beverages include self-serve fountain drinks, bottled water, milk, and various teas, including hibiscus. Also offered are Zoës bottled Greek salad dressing and Zoës special “Spice of Life” spices, both at $4.49.

Great for Families

“We are a great place for families,” points out Mr. Lukas. “We offer a special family meal for four to six at $39.99, with choice of entree, two fresh sides, plus Greek salad, hummus, and pita bread or cucumbers. With choice of one entree and two sides, the cost is $29.99, serving three to five. It’s a great way for families to spend time together and relax over a great meal.”

Both Mr. Lukas and Ms. Holler are very proud of Zoës staff, and the importance of the best employees is uppermost at Zoës.

“We have great people,” notes Mr. Lukas. “We offer them a way to make a career here. There are great options and opportunities for our employees.”

“The employees are like a second family,” adds Ms. Holler. “It’s enjoyable to be with them, and I look forward to that every day.”

Zoës offers gift cards in any amount, and currently through December 31, for every $25 customers spend on a gift card, they will receive a $5 bonus for themselves, which will be good from January 1 through February.

Zoës is open seven days, 11 a.m. through 9 p.m. (609) 356-0280. Website: www.zoeskitchen.com.