If you drive by the corner of Holbrook (aka The Spur) and I-30, you will see a big piece of land being cleared. It’s a prime piece of commercial property across Holbrook from Love’s Travel Stop. What is going on? Joe Zoubi owns that property. Let’s talk with Joe and find out.
Craft 64. Joe says two new businesses will be located there. One is a restaurant, Craft 64. The image at the top of the page is an artist’s rendering. Joe’s goal is to create a family-friendly experience with special features for the kids. It will offer:
The Grand Opening is tentatively planned for May/June 2027. For more information, including the menu and the job application form, go to Craft64tx.com or Dukestx.com.
Gas Station. The second business next to Craft64 will be a car-only gas station. Trucks will continue to use Duke’s on the other side of I-30.
The restaurant and gas station will still leave ample room for another business. Joe likes the idea of a hotel at that location, but the rest of the story is still to be written.
Dukes. In the meantime, on the other side of I-30 at Dukes, Joe is planning to add a coffee shop and an ice cream parlor.
Joe Zoubi. Look for an opportunity to meet Joe. He was born and raised in Jordan. he schools in Jordan teach both Arabic and English, so Joe has been bilingual from an early age. When you greet Joe, he is equally comfortable with “Hello” or “Marhaba”. The name of his Company is Zanbaka, which is Arabic for tulips.
Joe came to the U.S. for college. He attended Mississippi State and took his first job in Plano at a travel stop. He moved to Canton in 2011 and built the highly successful Duke’s travel stop and restaurant on I-20. Earlier this year, he added an upscale RV park with 100 concrete pads.
Joe was first attracted to Mount Vernon when Margaret Sears was Mayor. He opened Duke’s here 8 years ago. He says he plans to focus his business development on Mount Vernon going forward. Joe’s business philosophy is “Do it right or don’t do it”, a motto that is apparent in everything he is doing.
Joe has two sons and two daughters. All were born in the U.S.
In the photo, Joe is with Nathaniel Moran, our Congressman in Washington, before the redistricting.
Joe is a kind, humble, generous man who slips comfortably into Mount Vernon culture. He is a member of the Industrial Foundation and supports many MV activities, including Leaders of Tomorrow, First Responders, Veterans, and Country Fest, among others.
It’s exciting to watch the creative mind of Joe Zoubi at work. Stay tuned. It’s going to be FUN!
