101B Recreates the American Diner Experience Across Egypt

When you think of the classic American diner, it's not just about the food, as fatty and savoury as it is - there's a whole vibe involved. The clatter of plates, the smell of sizzling burgers, the unapologetic comfort of pancakes at any hour — all of it wrapped in a space that feels straight out of a stateside roadside stop. That's what 101B has been dedicated to recreating since it opened its first branch in 2023, pairing Chipotle Fried Chicken, Truffle B Burger, and of course fat stacks of wings and pancakes with a side of atmosphere.

101B founders Hussein Mahmoud and Mohamed Fayez were inspired by a unique experience — long drives along California’s 101 Pacific Highway, stopping at low-key diners that didn’t try too hard. “We weren’t trying to chase a trend,” Mahmoud tells SceneEats. “We just built the kind of place we felt was missing back home.”

That thinking shaped the way they approached location. At Ground Control in District 5, 101B sits inside a bowling alley. “A lot of the places we loved in California were tucked into bowling alleys or skating rinks,” Hussein says. “The food was great, but it was also tied to a moment — you’d be eating after doing something fun.”

An early boost came from their appearance on Egypt’s Million Pound Menu, a two-day pop-up where they served 60 to 70 people a day. “We didn’t walk out with a deal,” Hussein says, “but it gave us the chance to see how people reacted to the food without knowing the brand. That was worth a lot.”

101B also works in tandem with Kippis, the beverage company behind the bar at several of their locations. The partnership plays to each side’s strengths. “They’ve got the drinks, we’ve got the food,” Hussein says. “It’s a solid match — we both care about vibe and rhythm more than formality.”

Their catering arm is also growing steadily. The team handles three to four events a month, often working live with little to no prep. One of their biggest was a wedding for 400 people, where they prepped 600 sandwiches in under five hours. “We’ve done everything from birthdays to weddings,” Hussein says. “The live cooking setup works for us — it keeps the energy up and makes the food feel fresh.”

Today, 101B has also built locations in Malahy, Sodic Villette, and Marassi’s The Hub, with two more on the way in Royal Park (Sheikh Zayed) and Ryze Sports Club (Palm Hills).