Fanoos Grills, the Union Square shawarma favorite, is gearing up for a second San Francisco act in North Beach this month. The new outpost is taking over the former Hi‑Way Burger space at 411 Columbus Ave and is expected to bring the same shawarma, rice bowls and fast counter service regulars know from the Sutter Street counter. The menu will continue to lean into the Yemeni flavors that have become part of Fanoos’s identity, and the owners reportedly see the North Beach expansion as an opening play for future growth.
As reported by the San Francisco Business Times, Fanoos plans to open at 411 Columbus Ave in May. A public legal notice lists Fanoos Grills Inc. as the buyer of the business assets at that address, a sign that the deal is moving ahead.
What To Expect
The original Fanoos counter at 533 Sutter Street has built a steady following around chicken shawarma, kebabs and rice bowls. The menu and address appear on Uber Eats, where strong customer ratings hint at the appetite that could carry over to North Beach. The new shop is expected to stick with a similar counter‑service setup, centered on hand‑held wraps and takeout‑friendly bowls for people on the move.
411 Columbus: From Hi‑Way Burger To Shawarma
City records and neighborhood filings describe 411 Columbus Ave as a compact retail storefront on a busy stretch of Columbus Avenue, most recently home to Hi‑Way Burger & Fry. The address appears in San Francisco’s Legistar property listings, per SFGov. A January legal notice naming Fanoos Grills Inc. as the buyer of the business assets at that location indicates a formal transfer is in progress.
What’s Next
The San Francisco Business Times notes that the owners may chase additional locations beyond San Francisco if the North Beach launch delivers. For hungry locals, the opening will add another quick, counter‑service option to Columbus Avenue’s lineup. Expect the usual rollout clues in the coming weeks, from fresh signage to posted permits and, finally, the first day the shawarma starts spinning at 411 Columbus.
