‘Go hard or go home’: Shawarma sensation Zooroona expands to the Gold Coast

An acclaimed Middle Eastern establishment has expanded to the Gold Coast, and business is “booming” as locals and tourists queue up for their delicious handmade shawarma.

Zooroona, the acclaimed Middle Eastern establishment, has recently opened its Gold Coast doors in Surfers Paradise. Owner Mohamed Ghadban with chef and co-owner Diab Kubahli. Picture: Glenn Hampson

An acclaimed Middle Eastern establishment has expanded to the Gold Coast, with owner Mohamed Ghadban reporting “booming” business, as locals and tourists queue up for their handmade shawarma.

Mr Ghadban brought Zooroona – meaning “come visit us” in Arabic – to Surfers Paradise because he felt the area lacked authentic, high-quality food.

“A lot of city people up for holidays to Surfers, they know what shawarma is,” he said.

“Even the Schoolies kids from Melbourne, they say, ‘Wow, the shawarma here’.”

Mr Ghadban stressed the difference between kebab – minced meat – and shawarma.

“Ours is all whole meat, and we cut it with a sharp knife to get thin pieces.

“Nothing is processed in our meat because we do everything in-house.

“Even our herbs, we grind them every single day so it keeps the freshness for our skewers.”

Zooroona, the acclaimed Middle Eastern establishment, has recently opened its Gold Coast doors in Surfers Paradise. Owner Mohamed Ghadban with chef and co-owner Diab Kubahli. Picture: Glenn Hampson

The Zooroona owner said they imported their fat from Lebanon and Syria and brought the world-renowned Middle Eastern hospitality to the Glitter Strip shoreline.

“We make every customer feel like it’s their shop,” he said.

“Our chef, Diab Kubahji, will cut off a piece of chicken for them, put garlic dip on it, and feed it to them.”

Mr Ghadban said he wanted to be part of a potential golden culinary age in the region.

“The Gold Coast, within about three to four years, will be one of the best food hot spots,” he said.

“A lot of boys are coming … three of my mates from Sydney, they’re looking for shops now.”

The Zooroona owner said as a result of their rapid expansion, they’re franchising, with stores opening in Brisbane’s north and west by April and November 2026, respectively.

“I also want to do a dine-in in Surfers if we can get the right lease. Go hard or go home, mate. That’s it. We try our best.”

Zooroona is located at Shop 1/3185 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217.

Originally published as ‘Go hard or go home’: Shawarma sensation Zooroona expands to the Gold Coast