When Sam Krneta entered Noon O’ Kabab, a small Persian dining establishment in the North Suburbs of Chicago, he experienced a family-owned restaurant that serves, along with food, a special philosophy: “The visitors to our restaurant are our guests and it is our pride and joy to create an atmosphere where people keep coming back for more.”

When returning to Noon O Kabab with coworkers three months later, Krneta was surprised that Mir Javad Naghavi, the Owner and general manager, remembered his name, greeted him with a warm “Welcome Back” and served his table a free appetizer. After a warm second visit, Mr. Krneta soon joined the wave as one of the many regulars to the restaurant.

While dining at Noon O’ Kabab, you can expect to be served up an experience fit for a king. “Part of it is the overall feel of the place, it’s a great atmosphere and you always get that welcoming feel when you dine there” said Krneta. “I’ve been there about a dozen times now.” Part of the reason costumers frequent the restaurant, aside from the fine Persian cuisine, is due to the ‘good vibrations’ of the owner, Mir Javad Naghavi.

He’s an animated and charismatic man who stands about 5’8, Mir’s confidence is clear in his presence. He moves around the restaurant, greeting guests and taking care of restaurant business….but this is not seen as ‘business’ to Mir, his penchant for treating others well is something of great pride in his life. “Basically, my life is at this restaurant,” said Mir through a grin. “When the people come into this restaurant, they come into my life. My life is good, so the experience will reflect.”

A memorable aspect to Mir’s charisma comes through in his spiritual practices, because he engages in mysticism and daily meditation. With a confident grin, Mir will tell you he is undoubtedly blessed to have his life and the formula’s to understanding harmony. “I work with vibrations in existence: the plant’s existence, human existence, energies and everything. That is why I am not stressed.”

Not only a personal practice, Mir eagerly shares his philosophies and gives advice while engaging in conversation with guests. Mir humbly credits the success of the restaurant to the “good vibrations” that people get when they come in. “Through the years people keep coming because my family, (the staff) treats every guest as family,” Mir said, “We started from nothing and built our way up through customer satisfaction and word-of-mouth.” When entering Noon O’ Kabab today, it is hard to imagine the restaurants humble beginnings when it first opened in 1997.

This small, family restaurant opened in a hollow and empty room with eleven tables, folding chairs and servers dressed in tee-shirts and jeans. The restaurant’s appearance today is a reflection of the service that keeps guests coming back for more. Noon O’Kabab has attracted attention from TV, Radio and numerous newspaper publications with rave reviews based on their reputation. The Chicago Tribune, New York Times and Zagat have all stopped by to get a taste of the success. In 2003, a California film agency produced a segment on Noon O’Kabab for a restaurant feature film competition and took second place. When stepping into Noon O Kabab, be prepared for a sensory overload, the tastes are as vivid as the décor.

The walls are lined with fine tiles and handcrafted artwork imported from Iran and the floor is snugly blanketed by authentic Persian rugs – all handcrafted by Mir himself; work reflecting his days weaving rugs in Iran before moving to America. The décor is a mix of elegance and casualness and straddles the line between colorful and warm.

The ambiance is quiet and softly lit. While the appearance went from bland to beautiful, the only thing that has remained consistent since the restaurant first opened is the welcoming nature of the family. “It’s because of the vibrations, people leave my restaurant with good vibrations” he
humbly explained, when questioned about the success of the restaurant.

“The people and the restaurant are my family, this is my world. Food is a source of nourishment and I believe it brings people together”, said Mir. “People may compare their success to Bill Gates or any other person of major income. But for me? My world is here, and in my world, I am happy and successful.” With our country’s economy in disarray and many restaurants losing business, Mir’s spirit is unshaken. “Many people say that these are bad times and our economy is bad.

I believe that we are in ‘bad times’ when there is a war breaking outside doorstep or a natural disaster, like a tsunami pours in front of you.” Business did not suffer at Noon O’Kabab since the country declared a national recession. “When jobs were being cut and everyone was worried, I did the exact opposite. I did not cut anyone’s hours, in fact, I hired more people, and my restaurant’s business is still level.” Mir said confidently. “We are always improving, trying to make things better, and with good vibrations within one, you learn to understand people, and they will remember you.” Mir continued, “There is a beauty in the way people connect with other human beings. For me, food is a source of nourishment, and it is my life, and how I connect with others.”

Hidden off the Kedzie Brown line stop is a gem and a true success story: a small restaurant where the aura of Persian cuisine and culture will inspire people to become a regular. While McDonalds, Starbucks, Subway and other fast-paced chains are right around the block, there’s something about Noon O’Kabab that pulls you in. Time moves slowly at Noon O’Kabab, where you will be treated to a savory meal and fine service. Oh, and don’t forget the golden rule: “My rule is, if it is your first time in my restaurant, I will spoil you” said Mir with a confident grin. Experience the magic behind the food for a dining experience that will blow you away.

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