Our Story
Shanasheel Middle Eastern Market is a family-owned and operated business built on a love for our heritage, a passion for sharing our culture, and a desire to bring people together.
When our family decided to open Shanasheel in Murrieta, California, we envisioned more than just a grocery store. We wanted to create a place where people could connect, where familiar products could bring back memories of home, and where new visitors could discover the rich foods and traditions of the Middle East.
Our faith has also played an important role in shaping our business. Inspired by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), particularly the importance of making life easier for others, we strive to serve our community with kindness, honesty, and care.
A Name Rooted in Heritage
The name Shanasheel comes from a traditional architectural feature once common throughout the Middle East, particularly in Iraq. These beautifully crafted wooden windows and balconies were once a defining part of Iraqi homes and streets.
Having lived in the United States since 2013, our family has spent more than a decade away from our homeland. The name Shanasheel is our way of holding on to that connection, honoring where we come from, and sharing a small piece of our heritage with the community we now call home.
At Shanasheel, we believe a grocery store should be more than a place to shop.
We take pride in being family-owned and family-operated. When you visit, you’ll find members of our family working in the store, helping customers, sharing recommendations, and getting to know the people who walk through our doors.
Many of our regular customers have become close friends, and some have even become like family. Those relationships mean just as much to us as the products on our shelves.
We believe in fair prices, honest recommendations, and treating every customer with the same respect and care we would want for our own family.
More Than Just a Market
A Place for Everyone
Whether you grew up in the Middle East and are searching for a taste of home, or you’re discovering Middle Eastern food for the first time, you’re always welcome at Shanasheel.
Through our selection of traditional groceries, spices, grains, sweets, and everyday essentials, we hope to bring familiar memories to some and new experiences to others. As we
continue to grow, Insha’Allah, our goal remains the same: to build a welcoming community, share our culture, and make every visit a positive experience.