A new Yemeni restaurant is poised to replace the recently closed Evan’s Place in Des Plaines, Illinois. The fast food establishment at 1900 E. Touhy Ave. shut its doors on March 6, 2026, and Zakarya Saeed, a Chicago-based entrepreneur, has submitted an application to open Al Diar Restaurant in its stead.
Jeff Rogers, the director of community and economic development for Des Plaines, confirmed to the Journal & Topics that while Saeed has expressed interest in the location, he has not yet applied for a building permit. Rogers indicated that it remains early in the process, and no timeline for the restaurant’s opening has been established.
Al Diar Restaurant will mark Saeed’s third location, following two successful establishments in Chicago’s River North neighborhood and suburban Worth. Saeed aims to offer a range of traditional Yemeni dishes, including Mandi, Haneeth, Zurbian, and grilled meats seasoned with authentic spices. He emphasized the goal of providing “authentic Yemeni cuisine and family-style dining to the Des Plaines community.”
The decision to open in Des Plaines stemmed from Saeed’s belief in the area’s potential, citing its diverse community and robust local business environment. He is leasing the space formerly occupied by Evan’s Place, which has required extensive renovations.
“The restaurant has required a significant amount of remodeling and preparation,” Saeed noted. “We have been upgrading the kitchen equipment, improving the interior layout, and making several updates to meet city requirements and prepare the space for a full-service restaurant.”
As part of the renovation process, Saeed and his team are currently completing final inspections and preparations, hoping to open the restaurant as soon as the city approves the necessary permits.
While Evan’s Place did not formally announce its closure, it was evident during a recent visit that the establishment was no longer in operation. Rogers mentioned that city staff had heard from local residents that the owner had informed customers of the closure in the weeks leading up to it.
The arrival of Al Diar Restaurant is anticipated with interest, as it aims to enrich the local culinary landscape and introduce authentic Yemeni flavors to the Des Plaines community.
