Since its opening in 2013, Fusion Restaurant and Bar has seen increasing popularity in the Henry County community.

It is located off Highway 155 in McDonough, and Owner and Operator Sherif Riad cautions that looks can be deceiving, as Fusion Restaurant & Bar is attached to a gas station. “That was the hardest thing in the beginning. We had to convince people to come since the parking lot was a gas station,” said Riad. “But as soon as they walk in, they see something completely different.”

Upon entering the restaurant, guests are treated to a quintessential Mediterranean experience. “I put a lot of touch in the restaurant to offer something unique,” said Riad. “As soon as you walk inside, you feel that it is a different atmosphere.”

Serving Mediterranean cuisine from the Middle East, Egypt, Lebanon, Spain, Greece, and Italy, guests can treat their taste buds to a menu they cannot easily get south of Atlanta.

“I decided to come up with an idea to put something that would add to the community,” said Riad. “I tried to get a variety of Mediterranean cuisine to satisfy different palettes. We get the people to go to different countries without leaving McDonough.”

For those that are a little hesitant to try a new cuisine, Riad says they work to make their guests comfortable and educate them on the countries the various menu items are from and the types of dishes they serve at the restaurant.

Every dish at Fusion Restaurant and Bar is made to order from scratch with fresh ingredients. Some menu items are even Riad’s family recipes from Egypt. “I had to contact my mom, and she had the recipes for certain dishes that we have on the menu,” said Riad. “I had to follow [her recipes] to continue giving the same taste that I was used to as a kid.”

Riad personally reviews the menu every few months, making sure guests regularly see new and interesting menu items. “I try to make it exciting,” said Riad. “I always add items to the menu every time I review the menu to provide new items that people can enjoy.”

Guests are encouraged to relax, stay for a while and disconnect from the daily rush of life. “I try not to rush guests. I try to encourage them to stay, enjoy, and talk,” said Riad. “Some of them want to stay a lot longer and enjoy. After dinner, they have coffee and dessert, and they stay for a longer period of time.”

Riad hopes the true Mediterranean dining culture is embraced by guests as he caters the environment of Fusion Restaurant and Bar to create a memorable experience. Additionally, for those that enjoy the outdoor dining experience, Fusion Restaurant and Bar is excited to offer year-round outdoor dining with a new patio space, fans, and heaters

Riad is grateful for the support of the local community and plans to continue to offer a unique, authentic Mediterranean dining experience for all to enjoy.