Persian Restaurant in Maryland
About the Restaurant
Yekta first opened its doors in 1979 in Rockville, Maryland, originally as a small grocery store founded by Yadi Dadras and his brother. Before coming to the United States, Yadi had worked for several years in Tehran under the guidance of his uncle, Haj Samad, one of the most respected grocers in the city. It was through that experience that he gained extensive knowledge about the food industry and a strong work ethic rooted in tradition and service.
Yadi envisioned Yekta as more than just a market, it would be a space where Iranian immigrants could find familiar ingredients, flavors, and memories from home. By 1993, he became the sole owner of the business and, with the invaluable help of his wife Laila, began expanding the store’s offerings. They transformed the grocery store into a gourmet market by introducing fresh produce and unique specialty fruits flown in from California, catering to the culinary needs of the Middle Eastern community.
Their innovation didn’t stop there. They converted half of the market into a kabob restaurant, launching a beloved kabob counter while maintaining the deli’s famous sandwiches. Yekta quickly became a cherished destination for high-quality Persian cuisine and essential groceries.
In 1995, Yadi’s two daughters joined the business and worked alongside him for more than 16 years. They inherited the values and dedication their father learned from Haj Samad, and together, they grew Yekta even further. In 2010, they led a major renovation that doubled the size of both the market and restaurant.
Although Yekta lost its visionary founder in November 2011, his legacy lives on through the care and dedication of his daughters. Today, Yekta continues to serve the Rockville community with the same warmth, authenticity, and excellence in food and service that defined it from the start.
Location
1488 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
Contact
- Market: (301) 984-1190
- Kabob Counter: (301) 984-0005
