Sassool Culinary Arts Scholarship

Sassool Mediterranean Café established the Sassool Culinary Arts Scholarship in 2014.
“It’s about giving back,” says owner, Mounir Saleh. “Kids are our future. This scholarship is a way to help one achieve his or her goal.”

This annual scholarship will assist a full-time second-year student pursuing a Culinary Arts degree at Wake Technical Community College. The recipient will be selected by a committee of representatives from each curriculum division and service area. Foundation scholarships are awarded based on the applicant’s essay score in conjunction with the scholarship’s criteria.

“I am so impressed with the Culinary Arts program at Wake Tech,” says Mounir’s wife, Lisa. “With their annual Culinary Arts Showcase at the Convention Center in downtown Raleigh, they are holding their students to the highest standard as food service professionals. This is the kind of example we want to set for our own employees!”

About Sassool Mediterranean Café:
Sassool is a family-owned cafe, bakery & market serving authentic Lebanese & Mediterranean cuisine in a fast-casual setting. In addition to fresh, healthy Mediterranean fare, Sassool offers a selection of specialty groceries and baked goods. Mounir Saleh operates the business with his wife, Lisa, and their two oldest daughters, Noelle and Simone. They are committed to being community partners by supporting other local organizations that are making a difference.

Formerly known as Neomonde Café & Market, Sassool rebranded on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2014 to honor Mounir’s mother, Cecilia, for the authentic recipes that she brought with her when she immigrated from Lebanon with her family to Raleigh in the 1970s. The name of the restaurant, Sassool, is the nickname that Cecilia was called by her father when she was a child.