By Katie Soenke, Pikes Peak Courier

In Woodland Park, people tend to notice when a place gets it right.

Sam’s Gyros & Kabobs is one of those places.

It’s not flashy. It doesn’t try to keep up with trends. It just does what it does — and does it well.

Tucked into town, the restaurant has built a steady following over the past three years. Locals recommend it without much explanation. Visitors stop in once and often come back before heading out of town. It’s an easy place to return to after a long day — whether that’s a hike, a drive, or just errands around Woodland Park.

For owner Sam Ayaad, that kind of consistency matters.

“We’ve been open about three years,” he said.

Ayaad grew up in Jordan, where his family ran a restaurant and hotel near the Iraqi border for decades. It was busy, especially with travelers moving through the region.

“That’s where I learned how to cook,” he said.

As a kid, he spent school breaks helping out — in the kitchen, around the business, wherever he was needed. The customers came from all over. Iraqi, Saudi, Iranian, Syrian. Over time, those influences became part of how he understands food.

You can still see that in the menu.

It’s straightforward. Gyros, shawarma, kabobs. Nothing overworked. Nothing trying too hard.

The hummus is traditional. No added flavors. The tabouleh and fattoush follow Lebanese styles. Even the baklava is done his way — shaped differently and made with honey instead of sugar.

Chicken kabobs are one of the most popular items. Chicken and lamb shawarma also do well, though lamb isn’t always available because of halal sourcing.

Everything is made in-house, but it doesn’t feel complicated.

That’s part of the appeal.

In a town where casual dining can feel predictable, Sam’s Gyros offers something a little different without feeling out of place.

Woodland Park sits in an interesting spot. It’s a pass-through town for people heading into the mountains, but it’s also home to a tight-knit group of locals. The restaurant serves both without really trying to separate the two.

Tourists find it. Locals rely on it.

“I love the area because it’s a small community, and it reminds me of home.” Ayaad said.

Inside, the atmosphere reflects that. Staff greet people by name. Orders are remembered. Conversations pick up where they left off.

“If someone doesn’t come in for a week, we notice,” he said.

It’s a small thing, but it sticks with people.

Some of the staff have been there since the beginning. Ayaad is usually in the kitchen himself, helping with prep or cooking. There’s a steady rhythm to the place. Nothing feels rushed.

That consistency shows up in the food and the experience.

Portions are generous. Prices are reasonable. People know what they’re going to get when they walk in.

There are a few details that regulars come back for. Hibiscus tea in the summer, served cold with mint and lemon. Coffee year-round — the top seller.

In warmer months, the patio fills up. In winter, everything moves inside, but the feel doesn’t change much.

For Ayaad, the restaurant isn’t just a business.

“This is more of a passion for me,” he said.

He also works in real estate, and the two overlap more than you might expect. After showing homes, he’ll sometimes bring clients in to eat. It gives them a chance to experience the town in a different way.

It fits.

In a place like Woodland Park, people pay attention to the businesses that stick around and do things right.

Sam’s Gyros has found its place by keeping things simple — good food, steady service, and a space where people feel comfortable coming back.