A Legacy in Motion Since 1860

1860

First shop opens in Jerusalem

Founded by Mohammad Zalatimo behind the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, beneath the Coptic Monastery.

1870

Early expansion

The original shop expands into the neighboring space and adds a seating area.

1893

Second generation takes over

Following the passing of Mohammad Zalatimo, his son Ibrahim Zalatimo assumes leadership.

1920

Ibrahim’s son Abdallah joins the business

 A new generation enters the family trade.

1936

Great Strike in Palestine

Business operations are disrupted. The family supports resistance efforts in Jerusalem by hiding weapons under the flour bags.

1938

Second Jerusalem shop opens

A new location opens in the affluent Bekka neighborhood, expanding the business beyond the original site.

1948

Displacement to Jordan

During the first Nakba, the family is displaced to Zarqa refugee camp in Jordan.

1949

Return and rebuilding

The family returns to Jerusalem and begins rebuilding the business.

1957

Leadership shifts again

After Abdallah passes, the business continues under his brothers Mohammad and Dawood.

1960

Third shop opens

A new Zalatimo location opens outside Jerusalem’s Old City on Salah al-Din Street.

1967

Second Nakba

The family is displaced again, leaving Jerusalem for the village of Ein Kinya.

1986

Zalatimo Sweets is reestablished in Jordan

After graduating in the United States, Abdallah Jr. returns to Jordan and reopens the business.

1988

Jordan expansion begins

A second Jordan branch opens, along with the first duty-free operation at QAIA.

1990

First exports to the United States

The business begins exporting to the U.S.

1996

La Mirabelle opens

After graduating from Johnson and Wales, Ahmad -Abdallah’s brother- joins the company to help launch a new division. A new multi-concept chapter begins. 

2001-2015

Retail expansion and operational growth

Fourth, fifth and sixth locations open, including entry into Bahrain Duty Free. The company scales production, streamlines operations, and introduces automation.

2013

U.S. national distribution begins

National distribution in the United States launches through Ziyad Brothers.

2017

Further expansion in Jordan

Another location opens in Abdoun.

2024

Original store closes for redevelopment

The first store closes in preparation for reopening in a new development.

2025

Airport-area location opens

A new location opens near the airport in Jordan.

2026

Lab 1860 launches in Illinois

A new concept opens in Illinois, marking the first location outside Jordan.

2026+

First franchise opens in Aqaba

The first franchise location opens in Aqaba, marking expansion beyond the capital.