Kebab shop owners Elaine and Chris Lima are finally able to offer dine-in service.

Ever since they opened Kebobs on the Curve in Pembroke two years ago, clients have been asking for seating, but the shop at 22 Curving Avenue was just too small for anything but takeout.

Two weeks ago they launched satellite location Kebobs in the City at 12 Bermudiana Road in Hamilton, sharing space with the new Bermudiana Bar and Lounge.

Customers can order food while enjoying the amenities of the bar including television, arcade games, beer and cocktails.

The expansion improves foot traffic for the Limas.

“At the Bermudiana Bar & Lounge people come to watch the game,” he said. “While drinking they get peckish. We are there to help.”

Meanwhile, they are still doing takeout and Sargasso delivery.

There are still advantages to going to Kebobs on the Curve. The selection of meat skewers is wider there, as the kitchen is bigger.

The Limas say the secret to their kebabs is that the meat is certified halal.

“We don’t serve any pork products or anything like that,” Mrs Lima said. “We don't have any alcohol in our food. People who follow strict halal guidelines can order sodas and have our food.”

She said that when you start eating halal chicken and other meats you start to taste the difference.

“The halal meats are cleaner and hormone-free,” Mrs Lima said. “So you just feel better eating the healthy food.”

She admitted that the expansion into town was stressful.

Mrs Lima said it is more pricey to operate in Hamilton so they have had to put the cost of their kebabs up at their new location.

They have been squeezed hard this year by food inflation.

“Food costs have gone up at least 20 per cent,” Mrs Lima said. “I’m still trying to keep our prices lower than other places, but it is tough. Our margins are not high.”

In previous years they were regulars at Harbour Nights on Wednesdays. This year they did not participate.

“We don’t have the bandwidth or the manpower,” Mr Lima said. “We have been focusing on getting this up and running.”

Expanding their operation had been a stressful enterprise, especially since they both have full-time jobs elsewhere.

“It is always stressful when you have invested your money and you are hoping what you are doing will work,” Mrs Lima said.

They would like to eventually have their own sit-down space, but Mr Lima said you have to walk before you can run.

“We have seen many businesses do too much too fast,” he said. “We are taking our time.”