The team behind Delbar, the Inman Park restaurant serving Middle Eastern cuisine, is opening a new fast casual concept called Bibi. The outpost will be nestled in Ponce City Market’s Central Food Hall at 675 Ponce de Leon Ave, according to a press release.
The restaurant’s name, Bibi, roughly translates to a powerful, kindhearted woman leader in a community. Originally from Gorgan, Iran, owner Fares Kargar was inspired by memories of growing up in the kitchen alongside his mother, aunts, and grandmother. When he was developing Delbar, Kargar recounted large family gatherings of 20 to 30 guests, where they would all gather as his grandmother dished up warm, toasted bread from her tandoor oven.
From Iran to Turkey to the United States, Kargar worked his way up the ranks in the culinary world, especially in Atlanta restaurants. At 17, he left Iran for Turkey, where he worked, pursued a higher education, and lived as a refugee. While there, he broadened his understanding of Turkish cuisine and sharpened his culinary skills. Eventually, Kargar made his way to Atlanta, where he earned a degree in hospitality from Georgia State University.
By the age of 31, Kargar was able to bring his dream of owning a restaurant to fruition. Through Delbar, Kargar showcases a design inspired by the far-away lands and memories he keeps close to his heart.
Bibi will similarly channel Iran’s serene countryside with soft, earth-toned plaster walls, lush greenery, and natural wood tones — this time influenced by his grandmother’s hometown in Iran. Designed by Archie Bolden, the interior space will also incorporate bright pops of color nestled within geometric shapes, and playful lines to enhance dried florals and soft timber elements.
The menu at the new Ponce City Market restaurant will include salads, dips, sandwiches, freshly baked pastries, and grab-and-go bowls with kabobs over rice. Bibi will offer guests a variety of beverages: teas, fresh juices, floral waters, and cocktails on draft that are infused with Persian ingredients and spices. Francis Coligado, beverage director at both Bibi and Delbar, will craft drinks.
“I’ve always looked to Ponce City Market for the unique and dynamic energy it brings to the neighborhood,” said Kargar in the press release. “With Bibi, we’re excited to take elements from our menu at Delbar and bring a fun Persian menu to the Central Food Hall.”
