Kebap La Tourelle, Resilient Afghan Cuisine

Facing the challenges of the Tourelle Centre renovations, Walid Shukoor, manager of Kebap La Tourelle, preserves the soul of his Afghan cuisine while preparing for a promising renewal. Meet him.

Mr. Shukoor, before joining the Tourelle Centre mall, what was your background?
Before arriving at this center in 2017, I co-managed a kebab shop at La Praille shopping center with my brother from 2001 to 2017. We also ran a hotel-restaurant in Bellevue, called Kutchi, which is still managed by my brother. Our passion for Afghan cuisine and our experience in the restaurant industry have well-prepared us for this venture.

Despite the current challenges of the mall, how do you see the future of the restaurant?
Indeed, we are going through a tough period due to the construction and the recent context, but the future looks promising. Once the construction is completed, we will benefit from a beautiful 48m2 terrace and an indoor space facing the pharmacy, offering a view of a green space. These improvements will allow us to welcome our customers in a more pleasant and accessible setting.

What impact has the construction had on your business and how are you adapting to continue serving your customers?
The construction has reduced our clientele, mainly due to the lack of parking. However, we remain open during the mall's operating hours and continue to serve our cuisine, with a special focus on our Afghan specialties in addition to pizzas, kebabs, and other Middle Eastern dishes. We are adapting and look forward to the improvements that will attract more people again.


 

What is the vision behind keeping the restaurant open during the construction?
Our family is fully committed to this project, and we are ready to make the necessary sacrifices during this complicated period. The renovation project of the center is essential and promises to modernize the space, which will enhance the overall experience for all merchants and customers.

How do you envision the evolution of your restaurant with the planned reopening?
After the construction, we plan to extend our hours to stay open 7 days a week, to better serve both the regular lunch crowd and capture a new evening audience thanks to access to our new terrace. We are optimistic and believe that these changes will not only improve our offerings but also strengthen our connection with the community around the mall.

A final word for your customers during this transition period?
We greatly appreciate the loyalty of our customers despite the current challenges. Your support means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you in our new improved space.