We had the good fortune of connecting with Amal Alaoui and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amal, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
well when i came to the U.S in 2015, i thought about what i should do as a job and came to me naturally that i should be in the food industry since cooking is my passion. I wanted to cook Moroccan food so i started doing catering.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
with Marrakech Express, i want to introduce Moroccan food to more people in the Atlanta Metro area. Well in the most basic way, i’m always proud and excited when clients compliment my food. that really makes me feel great. Of course, i’m proud that after many years i was able to achieve my dream and open my own restaurant in Smyrna.
Nothing is easy but not impossible. i worked hard countless hours doing Pop Ups, Farmers Market, and catering gigs. Even today, i woke up at 4 am and sometimes before that to cook fresh food. My husband is great partner and help to me to overcome the many challeges i faced.
The eternal lesson is you can achive your dreams if you work hard, seek advise and help, & try to excel at whatever you do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
take them to visit the usual famous places in Atlanta, i like the Aquarium, The Zoo, Piedmont park, and the beltline. Take them visit the MLK district to learn about the civil rights movement.
i would probably take them to Jerusalem restaurant in Alpharetta, How Crispy Chicken,

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Of course to my mom and grandmother for introducing me to cooking at a young age. Also to Q, owner of “Suki Suki” collective in east Atlanta for giving me a chance to open a food stall at her place.

Website: https://Marrakechexpressrestaurant.com

Instagram: marrakechexpressATL

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarrakechExpressrestaurant/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/marrakech-express-smyrna-2

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