
Welcome to Rumi: A New Wine Oasis in North Park
This summer, North Park will welcome Rumi, a new wine bar that promises to be a vibrant community gathering spot. Sholeh Abounasseri, a passionate entrepreneur, has spent a decade dreaming of this venture. A reflective spirit and lover of poetry, Abounasseri names her bar after the famous 13th-century Persian poet, Rumi, symbolizing her desire to create a space where magnifying joy and connection takes center stage.
A Community Space Inspired by Joy
"If you’ve read any of his poems... it’s kind of that for me," says Abounasseri of the essence that embodies her wine bar. Set to open in late June or early July at 2937 Lincoln Avenue, Rumi will offer a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating for around 48 customers. Although it operates without a kitchen, Rumi will serve exquisite chocolates and curated wines that enhance the experience.
From Retail to RSVP: A Journey of Passion
Abounasseri, originally from Iran, has also launched a boutique next door called Our Story, showcasing her dynamic spirit. Her approach to selecting wines reflects her artistic sensibility, focusing on smaller, women-owned wineries along with local, organic alternatives. She shares, "When I like it, I'm passionate... to find some passions and niches." This aligns with the growing trend in Southern California of supporting local businesses that cater to community tastes, making Rumi a perfect addition to the area.
Commitment to Community and Quality
Having signed a three-year lease, Abounasseri is adamant that Rumi is a long-term endeavor aimed at nurturing community ties. "I feel like in life, you pick and choose what comes to you to a huge degree," she states. Her dedication signals a hopeful and ambitious future for Rumi in North Park’s thriving culinary landscape.
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