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Dar Rafiki’s, a French-Moroccan bakery on Main Street in Haverhill, is moving to a new, larger location later this summer, expanding its offerings and likely adding staff.
Owner Lhoussine Rafiq said the new bakery and café within Academy Plaza on South Main Street allows him to offer seating and a breakfast menu. Currently the space is being transformed into a small restaurant.
“I am planning some very special delights,” Rafiq promised.
Dar Rafiki’s, which means “house of friends” in Arabic, began as a food truck in 2016. Rafiq moved into a bricks and mortar shop Sept. 8, 2024, at 389 Main St., Haverhill, at Dudley Plaza. Because of space constraints he has been able to offer take out and catering only.
The business is known for its Moroccan chicken shawarma sandwiches, Dubai chocolate cake, cube croissants and 32 different French trompe-l’oeil pastries which are shaped like pieces of fruit and filled with mousse and fruit chunks.
Rafiq, who lives in Haverhill, said once the construction is closer to completion, he will appear before the Haverhill License Commission to apply for a common victualler’s license. He said he plans to maintain the same hour—6 a.m. to 9 p.m. He also expects to double or even triple the number of employees from the current 22.