888 17th Street, NW between H and I Street, NW
“Dear PoPville,
I’d love to highlight the story of LebTav 17th Street and the incredible resilience this restaurant and its team have shown over the past year.
I’ve been going to LebTav 17th Street for quite some time, and I’ve always enjoyed the food. The staff has consistently been warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind. It’s one of those neighborhood places that makes you feel good every time you walk through the door.
Last year, the owner of this franchised location, Alberto, sadly passed away. I had actually followed Alberto’s food journey for years, from his days with Shawafel on H Street to Shawarma District. His love for food and his connection to the community were always evident.
Since his passing,
I recently learned that the friendly woman so often at the front of LebTav is Alberto’s sister, Sandi. With a heavy heart, she shared that she has stepped up to carry on her brother’s legacy by taking ownership of the restaurant. She and her family felt it was important to keep his memory alive by continuing the restaurant and honoring the food, warmth, and hospitality he loved so deeply.
What struck me most is that the restaurant didn’t skip a beat. Despite such a tremendous personal loss, Sandi and the team have continued to show up, serve their community, and keep Alberto’s spirit alive through the food and the restaurant he cared about. There is even a picture of Alberto hanging inside, which I think is such a beautiful and meaningful touch.
I think stories like this deserve to be told. Behind so many neighborhood restaurants are real people, families, loss, perseverance, and a deep love for what they do. LebTav 17th Street has endured a lot, and yet they continue to welcome people with warmth and serve great food every day.
I truly feel that Sandi and the LebTav 17th Street staff deserve recognition for everything they’ve overcome and for keeping Alberto’s memory and passion alive on 17th Street.
Keep it up, LebTav 17th Street. ❤️”