Omar Montes, the well-known Spanish performer, has fulfilled a longtime dream—he has opened his own kebab chain in memory of his father. The grand opening took place on December 18 at one of Madrid’s popular shopping malls. The new project is called “el orijen,” with a deliberately altered letter to highlight its individuality and the family story.
Omar came up with the idea to launch the chain more than a year ago. The artist has often shared that his father was the first person to introduce kebab to Spain. Over the decades, according to Montes, the original taste of the dish has been lost, with recipes becoming simpler and less authentic. That’s why he decided to bring back the kebab flavor he remembers from his childhood and do away with unnecessary additions, like ketchup, that don’t belong in the classic recipe.
A Family Tradition
On the eve of the opening, Omar shared his emotions with followers on social media. He confessed that he feels a special pride in this project, as for him it’s not just a business, but a way to honor his father’s memory and carry on his legacy. The artist paid special attention to the signature sauce, a recipe that, according to him, only his father and Michael Jackson knew. Now this secret ingredient will become the restaurant’s trademark.
Omar’s business partner was Antonio Maroto. He shared that the singer has no intention of leaving his music career, but has long wanted to create something special in gastronomy. Together, they worked to offer Spaniards not just another fast-food option, but a product with a unique concept and high quality.
A fresh take on kebab
Bread holds a special place on the “el orijen” menu—it’s unlike the usual pita, and the meat is sourced only from trusted suppliers. Everything is prepared with an emphasis on freshness and natural ingredients, and the signature sauces were developed specifically for this project. According to Maroto, their aim was to create something beyond just another snack bar—an attempt to restore respect for tradition and show that kebab can be not only tasty, but also healthy.
The opening took place in a festive atmosphere. Among the guests were expected well-known personalities, including Omar’s close friend, mixed martial artist Ilia Topuria. The presence of celebrities only fueled public interest in the new establishment. Within the first hours, the kebab shop attracted crowds eager to try the legendary sauce and discover the new twist on a beloved dish.
Plans and ambitions
Despite his busy schedule in the music industry, Montes plans to personally oversee the network’s development. He emphasizes that, for him, commercial success is not the only priority—preserving family values is equally important. In the future, the artist intends to expand the network, opening new locations in different cities across Spain. According to him, every restaurant will maintain the same standards of quality and atmosphere, so that guests can feel like part of a larger story.
The partners are confident their project can change the way Spaniards think about kebab. They are betting on original recipes, fresh ingredients, and a unique atmosphere that sets el orijen apart from other similar establishments. The network is already attracting interest not only from Omar’s fans but also from food enthusiasts eager for culinary novelties.
In case you didn’t know, Omar Montes is one of Spain’s most popular artists in recent years. His music career began with reality TV, and he quickly won over the public with his hits. In addition to music, Montes is also active in business and philanthropy. His new gastronomic venture is an opportunity for him to unite family traditions with a passion for innovation. The el orijen chain has already drawn attention not only from the artist’s fans, but from a wider audience interested in modern culinary trends.
