From Jerusalem to Food Truck Fridays, the Spokane couple learn about the rigors and rewards of business

When Madja Ritchie left her home in Jerusalem 15 years ago and landed in Spokane to graduate from Gonzaga University in International Relations, she had no idea that part-time work at Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle would bring a “piece” of home back in the end would get to her and Spokane.

“I’m from the Middle East and have always wanted traditional, home-cooked Middle Eastern food here, but it has been very difficult for me to find something that fits my culture,” said Ritchie.

While working part-time all those years ago, she met Dan Ritchie, whose family has long owned the Garland District restaurant.

And once Dan got to know the food that Majda knew and loved, he was hooked.

With Dan’s experience in the food industry and Majda’s love and knowledge of Middle Eastern cuisine, they decided to take it to Spokane on a food truck.

Jerusalem Middle Eastern Cuisine opened in September 2020, a time that would mark the first troubles the couple faced.

“It was terrifying to open it during COVID,” said Madja Ritchie. “We were kind of discouraged because we lost a lot of big events that we thought we could make money from.”

Other challenges would follow.

“At first you didn’t know what was worthwhile and what wasn’t, whether we were going to make money that day or not because we were making our food fresh, so we had to throw away what wasn’t sold. But you learn a lot from this business, ”said Ritchie.

But their mission was more than worth it, and in order for Majda to represent their country, they pushed forward and found what it takes to run the business.

“To be successful at anything, you have to love what you do and you have to love the industry, love to cook, and love to serve people,” said Ritchie. “If you know how to do this, you can be successful.”

Majda also recognized their relationship as an important part of the operation, saying that Dan praised her for being organized while focusing on presentation and taste, but she was very smart, adept at fixing things and organizing everything.

Majda added: “He does everything I don’t want!”

Eventually, events returned like Downtown Food Truck Friday and the Garland Market, which they serve on a regular basis.

Now the Ritchie’s have found success and stability, and have reaped the rewards they have sought from the start.

“The best thing is that people love our food and learn more about my culture when they see them enjoying fresh ingredients and homemade food,” said Majda Ritchie, adding, “Just to be known and see how I want people to learn that there is Middle Eastern food in Spokane other than gyros. “