Paramount Fine Foods, Tampa

Whether they take the form of food or decor, Middle Eastern traditions are important to the Paramount Fine Foods franchises. One of the most important traditions Paramount follows is only using halal meats. The meats comply with the strict Islamic guidelines, and Paramount's inspectors make surprise visits to their partner slaughterhouse twice a month to ensure that the appropriate methods are being used.

Paramount's cooks also follow traditional cooking techniques, from baking flattened Lebanese saj bread on a domed oven to pressing their fingertips into manakeesh dough to create divots toppings can settle into. And they barbecue shawarma on charcoal grills, pull hot pitas from wood-burning ovens, and make fresh baklava each day.

Regular and family-style meals unfold in dining rooms decorated with softly glowing chandeliers, rich colours typically found in the Middle East, and traditional music.