Restaurants have always been a part of Wheeling’s heritage for over 150 years. In the last few decades, the culinary establishments have introduced residents and visitors to a wide assortment of cuisines from across the world. Wheeling residents, Rami (Ray) Nasrallah and his wife, Jihan, felt that there was an opportunity to introduce a Mediterranean-inspired fast casual restaurant to Wheeling’s diverse dining scene. In the Spring of 2026, Sunwish was born.
“Wheeling has a wonderful sense of community, and we wanted Sunwish to be part of a town where local businesses and families come together. We saw an opportunity to bring something unique to the area while creating a welcoming place where people can enjoy great food, connect, and feel at home,” Ray Nasrallah said.
Sunwish specializes in Mediterranean sandwiches, as well as salads, appetizers, and desserts. Since opening, Sunwish has garnered a local following and has been featured on social media foodie pages with impressive reviews and video features.
“At Sunwish, freshness isn't just a promise; it's our everyday philosophy. We make our bread fresh daily, prepare many of our ingredients in-house, and make every sandwich to order,” Nasrallah added. “We combine authentic Mediterranean flavors, quality ingredients, and a fun, modern atmosphere to create an experience that goes beyond just grabbing a bite to eat.”
Sunwish recently celebrated a six-month milestone with a VIP reception for Village trustees and key staff. During the celebratory event, Sunwish ownership shared positive feedback regarding their experience working with Village staff and expressed enthusiasm about connecting with the Wheeling community, local businesses, and the broader Chicagoland market.
“The Village of Wheeling takes pride in the variety and quality of restaurants within our community,” Village President Pat Horcher said. “Sunwish is a unique and exciting addition to that distinguished history, and we wish them much success.”
As residents in Wheeling, the Nasrallahs are excited to be serving their community and want to expand their reach and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine throughout the northwest suburbs. Sunwish is located at 1083 E. Lake Cook Road in Lexington Commons Shopping Center.