Chocolate Euphoria is adding international sweetness to Oxford’s diverse dining options this week.
Yousef Zayed, 21-years-old, and Sami Abuattiyeh, 20-years-old, opened a store in Cincinnati a year ago and are now expanding to Oxford. Zayed is a senior studying information technology at the University of Cincinnati, and Abuattiyeh is a junior studying business there as well. Both do their schooling fully online, which allows them to work the stores.
They’re both of Middle Eastern descent and are bringing trending dessert options from Dubai to Oxford. The store focuses on crepes, waffle sticks and milkshakes. Abuattiyeh said although crepes are French, the addition of the sweet elements they incorporate is popular in Dubai.
One of the main draws includes pistachio in the desserts. The store has Dubai pistachio chocolate bars and lotus bars for a limited time.
Zayed said he got into business after watching and working with his father at gas stations when he was younger and has now moved into owning his business with his cousin Abuattiyeh. They both got into business in similar ways.
Zayed said the corporate lifestyle wasn’t for him.
“[I want to] be me. Be who I am, just the way I want,” Zayed said. “I wanted to treat the customers how I wanted.”
Did Mohamed, a worker at the store, said the strawberry cups are fan favorites for new customers, but his personal favorite is the waffle stick.
The store is located at 11 W. Church St. Its hours are 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, except the store closes at 10 p.m. on Monday. They are open from 2 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Treats are also available for delivery on DoorDash and Grubhub.
