Mediterranean sandwich shop opens at Newport on the Levee

Petra Cuisine, a Mediterranean sandwich shop, opened June 1 at Newport on the Levee. Petra is housed in the space formerly occupied by Smoothie King, near Saxbys Coffee on the Riverwalk level.   “Petra” is a lost city in Jordan that is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Owner Al Alsheyyab thought it would be a unique, authentic name for his restaurant that also ties into the food he serves.   Alsheyyab, a Cincinnati native, has a background in restaurants—he worked for Skyline Chili for six years, then at a few other eateries before deciding it was time to open one of his own.   Petra Cuisine’s specialty is the gyro, but his falafel has also been popular, he says.   “The Levee has a great atmosphere,” he says. “Lots of people come to see the river or go to the aquarium or the movies. I’m hoping Petra will be able to provide something quick to eat before people go on to the next thing.”   Petra is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekends.   By Caitlin Koenig Follow Caitlin on Twitter