Joseph Kalaydjian, founder and CEO of Cheez Hospitality, is redefining real estate and hospitality. From a single room in Beirut to a global platform, he blends design, culture and technology to create seamless, meaningful stays. In this interview, he shares the story, philosophy and vision behind Cheez.
What inspired you to launch Cheez Hospitality and what gap were you aiming to fill?
Cheez began in Beirut with one spare room, born from the belief that real estate can become living experiences. Over time, we built an ecosystem bridging capital and hospitality, transforming assets into vibrant stays. From start to finish, Cheez fills the gap between ownership, operations and unforgettable guest journeys.
What’s Cheez Hospitality’s motto or guiding philosophy and how does it shape your operations?
Our motto is ‘From capital to key.’ Through this approach, we deliver vertically integrated real estate solutions, from purchase to guest stay. At Cheez, we see hospitality as culture, not product. Therefore, every design choice, operational system and community partnership works toward one goal: transforming assets into meaningful experiences for both guests and owners.
What were some of the main challenges in the first five years and how did you overcome them?
Launching in Lebanon amid economic collapse and even the Beirut explosion truly tested us. Moreover, regulations, volatility and scaling abroad were daunting. Nevertheless, we built resilience through process, obsessive detail and a team culture of ownership. Consequently, each crisis became a blueprint, shaping Cheez into a model that scales while honoring authenticity.
Guest expectations are changing fast. How has your model evolved to respond to today’s traveler?
Guests today seek connection, design and flexibility. Over time, Cheez evolved from single apartments to a full platform, including boutique villas, chalets and multi-unit residences. At the same time, technology powers seamless stays, while design and storytelling create resonance. Furthermore, we adapt continuously, turning expectations into opportunities to deepen loyalty, blending efficiency with a uniquely human touch.
Sustainability and technology are redefining furnished apartments. How are you integrating these elements into your business?
Cheez integrates adaptive reuse, sustainable sourcing and efficient design into every property. Additionally, technology drives pricing, predictive maintenance and personalized service. However, for us, tech and sustainability aren’t trends; they’re core. Together, they allow us to reduce footprint, respect communities and deliver hospitality that is both profitable and responsible.
What role does Cheez Hospitality play in supporting the local hospitality ecosystem, from job creation to community partnerships?
Cheez is homegrown. Specifically, we hire and train local teams, collaborate with local guides and artisans, and create platforms for communities. By doing so, and by linking investors, owners and guests, Cheez sustains an ecosystem that generates jobs. Furthermore, it empowers entrepreneurs and exports Lebanon’s Mediterranean warmth, transforming hospitality into a cycle of culture, commerce and community.
Looking ahead, what are your priorities and ambitions for the next five years?
Cheez is scaling across geographies, including Athens, Cyprus, KSA and London. Meanwhile, we’re expanding our ecosystem: Cheez Hospitality, Cheez Boutique Lodging Operations, Cheez Capital, Cheez Studio and Cheez Real Estate Investment. Ultimately, our ambition is global: transforming real estate into culture, assets into experiences and Cheez into a lifestyle that redefines hospitality for the next generation.
