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JACKSONVILLE - It's arguably the hottest smoking trend since cigar bars, attracting patrons with flavored tobaccos smoked through decorative Middle Eastern water pipes.
But to Essa Gazaleh and others opening hookah lounges in Jacksonville, the trend represents an opportunity to mix what has become a profitable business venture with their heritage.
"I grew up with the hookah; it's always been in our family," said Gazaleh, 26, an Orange Park native whose parents and relatives hail from Ramullah, Palestine. "It's refreshing, not like smoking a cigar or pipe. And it's a very social thing."
Gazaleh's Hookahs Kabob House opens in Jacksonville Beach in mid-May, joining two other Middle Eastern-themed restaurants with hookah lounges, The Casbah in Avondale and Sahara Cafe on Beach Boulevard.
Gazaleh's 3,000-square-foot restaurant just off Third Street and 10th Avenue North will have a staff of about 15, offer a lunch buffet and dinner and a choice of more than 20 flavored tobaccos with each $7 hookah rental.
Main dishes include spinach, meat and cheese pieces, and nine types of kabobs.
Belly dancers will perform Friday through Sunday evenings, and Middle Eastern favorites such as tabouli, hummus, baklava and falafal will be available.
A small retail space will be dedicated to selling food and accessories, including pita bread and hummus, T-shirts,...