Uptown Saint John Inc. was delighted to be invited to meet owner Ahmad Alhaj at his Unique OZE Restaurant, where he welcomed us with the same warmth and heart he pours into every dish. Originally from Syria, Ahmad dreamed of opening a restaurant long before arriving in Canada, and today, he’s living that dream right here on Union Street, serving fresh, authentic Middle Eastern flavours.
OZE stands for Originality, Zest, and Experience, and you’ll taste all three the moment you order. From their famous 8 inch burgers to the largest donair in the city, an incredible 32 inches, the menu celebrates bold, fresh, made-to-order food with zero frozen ingredients. Their best-selling Lamb Shawarma and Chicken Shawarma Wraps have earned loyal fans from Saint John to Sussex, with some customers travelling weekly.
Ahmad’s journey, from arriving in Canada eager to learn English to working as a barber and later driving a taxi to practice his language skills and reach the level he needed to pursue his dream, shines through in every interaction. His passion, hospitality, and commitment to serving the community make OZE a true Uptown gem.
Find:
OZE Saint John
In Person: 149 Union St, Saint John, NB
Online: facebook.com/ozesaintjohn
Happy To See You Here
The Uptown Saint John Business Improvement Association (BIA) is a not-for-profit that supports over 500 businesses located within a defined Uptown boundary. Membership is automatic and is based on location as seen on our map linked below. With 82% of our Uptown businesses independently owned, supporting local here means backing real people and a thriving community. Ready to explore?