Bellevue Gets a Taste of TOASTED.

Before TOASTED. was a bagel shop, Jaafar Altameemi and Murat Akyuz were just university classmates brainstorming flavor combinations in a basement. If someone told them that less than two years later they would have three successful locations and a loyal fanbase, they wouldn't have believed it. Yet, after their early success at their first shop in Seattle's University District, the duo found themselves in a whirlwind of rapid expansion that has now landed them in Bellevue.

TOASTED.'s new expansion into Downtown Bellevue is only the next step in their grand vision for the future. The two agree that they didn't think twice when choosing "the core of the Eastside" as the perfect location due to the city's diverse population. The space they found works well for their needs and desire to try out an inviting, quick, and easy "kiosk model". They appreciate the unwavering support of the community and hint at a future appearance at the downtown farmer's market in the future - Be on the lookout as they continue to cultivate their roots! 

When it comes to TOASTED.'s menu, get ready for an impressive array of offerings featuring traditional flavors with a Mediterranean twist. The partners each bring a different perspective to the table; Akyuz's family runs a restaurant, which made it easier to navigate complicated equipment, while Altameemi has an eye for presentation, giving each sandwich its signature flair. Most importantly? Majority of the menu is influenced by what they actually eat at home.

Overwhelmed by the options? Here are some of their personal recommendations:

Jaafar’s Recommendations: 

• Sultan’s Roast Beef 

• Date & Labneh 

• Spiced Rose Chai 

Murat’s Recommendations: 

• TurkeyBEC 

• Pear Cinnamon 

THE STORY BEHIND THE SANDWHICH 

As recent UW alumni, Akyuz and Altameemi knew how to effectively connect with their peers to spread the word about their new business venture. The pair originally bonded over their penchant for entrepreneurship in a college class. After collaborating on a class project, the true catalyst for their friendship came when they attempted to track down a laptop that had been stolen from Altameemi's car. This experience proved how well they worked together under duress -- a sign that they would make great business partners.

“I think the U-District was great for us because the customer base is us – people our age," says Altameemi. “It was very easy to connect with students through marketing and storytelling, which resonated because we were also so young.” 

However, their success together has not come without setbacks. Early on, the duo found themselves treading through lawsuits, permitting and plumbing problems, and disagreements with their landlord. Through this bumpy road, the brand behind TOASTED. was truly born. Akyuz used his marketing expertise to capture the less glamorous reality of running a small business by creating a short, candid video about their struggles. It was incredibly well received and helped them develop an understanding with their landlord. Word spread, and they were able to connect with the City of Seattle and Health Department to ensure their business could continue operating.

"We ran into such a diverse set of problems that we were required to get really creative and scrappy. Now, we feel confident moving forward that [we can solve] any problem that comes up. The community really stepped up and helped us get where we needed to be," says Altameemi.

TOASTED.’s core values encompass inclusivity and community spirit. They regularly engage in philanthropy to support the local hospitality industry and Seattle residents. Throughout Ramadan, they have increased their hours until 2 AM from Wednesdays through Saturdays to accommodate community members' ritual fasting from sunrise to sunset. 

Akyuz explains that it’s "something that's just rooted in our backgrounds from the region of the world we’re from. We try to treat every single guest that comes to our stores as if they were a guest in our own home.” 

Fans of the cafe and its brand appreciate Akyuz and Altameemi’s candor. On Instagram, the two give insider tips including lessons they wished they’d learned sooner – making the story of their business venture educational and accessible. Commentary is generally encouraging, with many willing participants offering feedback. They attribute much of this success to the guidance of other small business owners, hired help, and people familiar with the industry, reminding viewers that they don't have to do it alone. With this model of collaboration, they plan to continue steady growth in the coming years. 

This blog is part of the Heart of Bellevue: our campaign to showcase local businesses while connecting you with stories of activity, creativity and recovery. Find out about our campaign and explore more of what’s happening around Downtown.