Sanaa Abourezk Takes Medical Leave Following Cancer Diagnosis
The owner of Sanaa's 8th Street Gourmet is stepping away from her restaurant to focus on recovery after a cancer diagnosis.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Chef Sanaa Abourezk has announced a breast cancer diagnosis after medical screenings revealed the illness. Following surgery, she is taking a leave of absence from her namesake Sioux Falls restaurant to recover.
Why it matters
Abourezk shared her personal health news to emphasize the necessity of routine medical screenings for early detection. The cancer was caught through screening and scans indicated it had not spread.
Sanaa's 8th Street Gourmet has been a fixture in Sioux Falls for 20 years. The owner is now stepping away from daily operations as she recovers from surgery.
The players
Sanaa Abourezk
She is the longtime owner and chef of the well-known Sioux Falls eatery Sanaa's 8th Street Gourmet.
The details
The diagnosis was shared publicly through a video posted to Facebook. To maintain operations and provide for the community during her medical leave, a Facebook event has been created to organize support for the restaurant.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: The announcement regarding the diagnosis was published.
Market Landscape
This transition marks a significant shift for a local culinary institution that has served the city for two decades. The move highlights how small business owners navigate health challenges while managing long-term community presence.
Patrons of the long-standing restaurant may see changes to service availability as the team organizes support. Those wishing to help the local business during this period can look for information through community support initiatives.
The takeaway
Early detection through medical screenings is a critical step in health management for individuals of all ages. Prioritizing routine health checkups can significantly impact treatment outcomes when illnesses are identified.
Further reading
For more news on local business changes, visit the Sioux Falls Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hot 104.7.
