Today we’d like to introduce you to Semih Ayhan
Hi Semih, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into the restaurant industry started with a leap of faith. Coming from a financial background as a former Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager at a local bank, I decided to follow my passion for food and hospitality. With my business partner, Tuncay Ozdenak, we launched our food truck in 2017, bringing authentic Mediterranean flavors to the Twin Cities.
Our dedication to quality, consistency, and hospitality quickly gained a loyal following, allowing us to open our first brick-and-mortar location in Chanhassen in November 2020. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we navigated through, building a strong customer base and refining our offerings. In early 2025, we expanded further by opening a second location in partnership with Lifetime Fitness in Highland Park, Saint Paul.
Over the years, Med Box Grill has been honored with multiple accolades, including being named Best Mediterranean Restaurant for four consecutive years and recognized as one of the top 70 small businesses in the United States in 2023. Beyond serving fresh and high-quality Mediterranean cuisine, we are deeply committed to our community, regularly supporting local schools through sponsorships and donations.
Our philosophy is simple: offer fresh, high-quality ingredients, create a welcoming and cozy atmosphere, and treat our employees like family. Customers often see Tuncay and me walking around the restaurant, ensuring that every guest feels at home. It’s been an incredible journey, and we take great pride in introducing Minnesotans to the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any entrepreneurial journey, ours has had its challenges. We signed a 10-year lease for our first brick-and-mortar location in January 2020—just weeks before the pandemic turned the world upside down. Suddenly, we had to rethink everything. Instead of panicking, we created a game plan, adapted quickly, and executed it with determination.
Beyond the pandemic, we’ve faced significant challenges, including rising costs of products and labor, supply shortages, and limited access to financing. There were times when sourcing key ingredients became a struggle, forcing us to pivot and find creative solutions without compromising quality. Balancing these financial pressures while maintaining our commitment to fresh, high-quality food and a great customer experience has been a constant effort.
Running a business is like riding in a boat—you will encounter waves and storms, but success depends on how well you navigate the sea. For us, resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to our customers and team have been the keys to overcoming obstacles. Every challenge has made us stronger, and we continue to push forward with the same passion that started this journey.
We’ve been impressed with Med Box Grill, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Med Box Grill began as a food truck, and our name reflects our roots—Med stands for Mediterranean, and Box is a nod to the food truck’s shape. We saw an opportunity in Minnesota’s food scene, as Mediterranean cuisine was still relatively new to the state. With a commitment to quality and execution, we introduced a fusion of Turkish and Greek dishes inspired by ancestral recipes, bringing the rich flavors of our heritage to Minnesotans.
What sets us apart is our relentless dedication to quality and authenticity. We take great pride in crafting nearly everything from scratch—95% of our menu is freshly made in-house every day, including all of our sauces. Adding a new menu item is never rushed; it typically takes us 2-3 months to perfect a dish before serving it to our customers. For example, when we introduced köfte—a traditional Turkish dish and the historical predecessor of Swedish meatballs—we tested eight different types of meat to ensure we got it just right.
One of our proudest achievements is our baklava, which has gained a reputation of its own. It took us three years to perfect the recipe, ensuring that every bite delivers the ideal balance of flavors and textures. This level of dedication to our craft, combined with our emphasis on freshness and quality, truly sets Med Box Grill apart.
At our core, we are always striving to improve while staying true to our roots. Whether it’s through meticulous recipe development, sourcing the best ingredients, or maintaining a welcoming and cozy atmosphere, our goal is to provide an authentic Mediterranean experience that keeps our customers coming back.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Our team deserves the biggest credit. We’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with such dedicated and wonderful people who have become like family to us—and us to them. The majority of our staff comes from the local community, often high school students for whom Med Box Grill is their very first job. Watching them grow, gain confidence, and develop life skills is one of the most rewarding aspects of what we do. Seeing them graduate, head off to college, and then return to work with us during the summer is a pleasure.
Beyond our team, we are deeply grateful for the support of our community. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of meeting so many amazing people who have embraced us, supported us, and spread the word about Med Box Grill. A huge shoutout to our regular customers who don’t just dine with us but actively introduce their neighbors, relatives, and colleagues to our food. Their enthusiasm and loyalty mean the world to us.
A special shoutout also goes to our landlord, Kraus Anderson Company, for believing in us from the very beginning. Their support has played a key role in our journey, and we truly appreciate their faith in our vision.
Success is never achieved alone, and we are incredibly thankful for every person—our staff, our customers, and our community—who has been part of this incredible journey.
Pricing:
- Gyro Wrap $14.95
- Kofte Bowl $22.95
- Chicken Kebab Plate $19.95
- Baklava $5.95
- Beef Shish Kebab Plate $25.95
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.medboxgrill.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medboxgrill/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/medboxgrill
