Shelby’s Shawarma Hits Cambrian Mall, Sault Ste. Marie 2026

Key Points

• Shelby’s Legendary Shawarma, a popular chain originating from a food trailer in Lambeth, Ontario, just south of London, is expanding to Sault Ste. Marie with a new location at Cambrian Mall.
• The chain has secured a building permit for $100,000 worth of renovations to Unit 16 at Cambrian Mall, located at 44 Great Northern Road.
• Renovations include interior partitioning, installation of kitchen exhaust and make-up air systems, plumbing work, and distribution of the existing air conditioning system.
• This permit is one of 24 building permits issued by the City of Sault Ste. Marie in January, with a total value of $1.2 million, down from $3.9 million in January last year.
• No permits for residential dwellings were issued during January in Sault Ste. Marie.
• The largest January permit was for $150,000 worth of work to a house on Caddy Avenue, including a new floor system under an existing floating garage slab.
• Shelby’s Legendary Shawarma was founded in 2014 by college friends Yazan El-Shalabi and Yasser Ali, using their mother’s traditional Arabian-style chicken shawarma recipe.
• The chain has diversified its traditional Arabian-style recipe by incorporating flavours from other world cuisines.
• Shelby’s now operates more than 40 locations across Ontario, with its only current northern Ontario site at 840 Notre Dame Ave. in Sudbury.

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (South London News) February 14, 2026 – Shelby’s Legendary Shawarma, the popular chain with roots in a modest food trailer in Lambeth, Ontario, has obtained a building permit for significant renovations at Cambrian Mall, signalling its arrival in Sault Ste. Marie. The permit, valued at $100,000 for Unit 16 at 44 Great Northern Road, marks the latest expansion for the business now boasting over 40 locations province-wide. This development comes amid a slower month for city building permits, totalling $1.2 million across 24 approvals.

What is Shelby’s Legendary Shawarma’s Expansion Plan in Sault Ste. Marie?

The expansion to Cambrian Mall represents a strategic push northward for Shelby’s Legendary Shawarma. As reported in coverage by Sault This Week, the chain has secured approval for comprehensive renovations to Unit 16. These works encompass interior partitioning to create the necessary layout, installation of specialised kitchen exhaust and make-up air systems essential for food preparation, extensive plumbing modifications, and the redistribution of the mall’s existing air conditioning infrastructure to suit the new operation.

City records confirm this as one of 24 building permits issued in January by the City of Sault Ste. Marie, with the full batch valued at $1.2 million. This figure reflects a notable decline from the $3.9 million recorded for the same period last year, indicating a cautious start to construction activity in 2026. Notably, no permits for residential dwellings were granted during this month, shifting focus entirely to commercial and other non-residential projects.

The single largest permit of the month, valued at $150,000, went to a residential property on Caddy Avenue for structural enhancements, including a new floor system beneath an existing floating garage slab. While not directly related to Shelby’s, this underscores the diversity of approved works amid the overall dip in permit values.

Who Founded Shelby’s Legendary Shawarma and What is its Origin Story?

Shelby’s Legendary Shawarma traces its beginnings to 2014, when college friends Yazan El-Shalabi and Yasser Ali launched the venture from what they described as “a dingy little food trailer” in Lambeth, Ontario, just south of London. The duo drew directly from their mother’s time-honoured chicken shawarma recipe, rooted in traditional Arabian culinary traditions. This humble start in Lambeth, a community on the outskirts of London, Ontario, laid the foundation for rapid growth.

From those early days, El-Shalabi and Ali innovated by diversifying the classic Arabian-style recipe, blending in flavours inspired by cuisines from around the world. This fusion approach has resonated widely, propelling the chain to more than 40 locations scattered across Ontario. Their story, as detailed in initial reports from Sault This Week, exemplifies the classic Canadian entrepreneurial journey from street food to established brand.

How Has Shelby’s Grown Across Ontario?

What began as a single food trailer has evolved into a province-spanning chain with over 42 locations, as noted in recent updates. Shelby’s only existing foothold in northern Ontario remains at 840 Notre Dame Ave. in Sudbury, making the Cambrian Mall site a critical addition to serve Sault Ste. Marie residents. The brand’s expansion trajectory highlights its appeal, particularly its unique take on shawarma that marries Arabian authenticity with global influences.

Reports from Sault This Week emphasise that the chain’s growth from Lambeth origins to 42 outlets underscores its adaptability and popularity. Founders El-Shalabi and Ali have not publicly commented on the Sault Ste. Marie plans in available coverage, but the permit filing speaks to their ongoing ambition.

Why is the Cambrian Mall Location Significant?

Cambrian Mall at 44 Great Northern Road serves as a prime retail hub in Sault Ste. Marie, positioning Shelby’s to tap into local foot traffic. The $100,000 investment in renovations signals confidence in the market, especially as the chain’s sole northern presence prior was in Sudbury. This move fills a gap for Arabian-style shawarma enthusiasts in the region, where such specialised dining options remain limited.

The timing aligns with a broader context of commercial development, even as overall permit values dipped. Sault This Week’s reporting frames this as a positive economic note for the city, bringing a proven Ontario brand to local shoppers.

What Do We Know About the January Building Permits in Sault Ste. Marie?

The City of Sault Ste. Marie issued 24 building permits in January, aggregating $1.2 million in value—a sharp decrease from the $3.9 million seen the previous January. This slowdown may reflect seasonal factors or economic caution, with zero approvals for residential dwellings. Commercial projects like Shelby’s dominated the list.

Among these, the Caddy Avenue house permit stood out at $150,000, involving foundational repairs to support a floating garage slab. Sault This Week’s detailed breakdown ensures transparency on these municipal decisions, providing residents with a clear picture of development trends.

When Did Shelby’s Legendary Shawarma Start and What Makes It Unique?

Founded precisely in 2014, Shelby’s Legendary Shawarma emerged from the Lambeth food trailer under Yazan El-Shalabi and Yasser Ali. Their mother’s recipe formed the core, delivering authentic Arabian-style chicken shawarma. Innovation came through global flavour infusions, setting it apart in Ontario’s competitive food scene.

Now with more than 40 locations, the chain’s evolution from “dingy little food trailer” to mall anchor exemplifies resilience. Coverage consistently credits the founders’ vision for this trajectory.

Where Are Shelby’s Current Northern Ontario Locations?

Prior to the Cambrian Mall announcement, Shelby’s maintained just one northern Ontario outlet at 840 Notre Dame Ave. in Sudbury. This sole site has served as the brand’s northern gateway, but the Sault Ste. Marie expansion promises broader accessibility. No other northern spots were mentioned in reports.

What Renovations Are Planned for the Cambrian Mall Unit?

The approved works for Unit 16 are thorough: interior partitioning to optimise space, new kitchen exhaust and make-up air systems for ventilation, plumbing upgrades for operational needs, and air conditioning redistribution. Valued at $100,000, these align with commercial kitchen standards.

Sault This Week’s permit summary confirms every detail, ensuring compliance and readiness for opening.

How Does This Fit into Broader Ontario Food Trends?

Shelby’s growth mirrors a surge in ethnic fast-casual dining across Ontario, where fusion concepts thrive. From Lambeth to over 40 sites, it capitalises on demand for authentic yet innovative shawarma. The northern push reflects confidence in underserved markets like Sault Ste. Marie.

Local economic impacts, including jobs from renovations and operations, add to its appeal. While specifics on staffing remain undisclosed, similar expansions have boosted employment.

What is the Future for Shelby’s in Northern Ontario?

With Sudbury as its pioneer northern site and Cambrian Mall next, further growth seems plausible. Founders El-Shalabi and Ali’s track record suggests more locations ahead. Residents anticipate the Arabian-style offerings, blending tradition with worldly twists.

City permit trends, despite the January dip, support such ventures. Sault This Week positions this as a win for local commerce.