Combining individual skills with a collective passion for their homeland, today’s Lebanese business leaders are rebuilding their country with creativity and commitment. We take a deep dive into what’s motivating this new generation of visionaries.
Lebanon’s emerging entrepreneurs have a broad range of skills and businesses interests invested across the sectors, which bodes well for the country’s future. Equally important, however, is their collective passion for their homeland and commitment to rebuilding it.
From industry-related skillsets to life experiences and hobbies, these business leaders are digging deep to drive their projects forward with creativity and purpose.
Combining innovation with tradition
In industries such as F&B, Lebanon’s rich heritage is providing entrepreneurs with a wealth of inspiration, offering opportunities to revisit the country’s culinary roots.
“Innovation should never kill tradition – it should complement it,” said Youssef Akiki, chef and owner of Brût and president of Disciples Escoffier Lebanon.
While keen to bring their business ideas to fruition, Lebanon’s emerging entrepreneurs also recognize the need to ensure the groundwork is in place first.
“T-T-T [stands for] things take time,” cautioned Maxime Chaya, local adventurer and author, explaining that he applied this philosophy when climbing the world’s peaks. “First the crew, then the boat,” he added, highlighting the importance of hiring the right people for a project.
Telling Lebanon’s real story
While adopting a steady approach makes sense in business, today’s entrepreneurs are keen to ensure positive developments are shared on the global stage.
“If we don’t define our story, the world will define it for us,” was the warning from PR expert Mariana Wehbe.
There is recognition among entrepreneurs that negative international media coverage has heightened the need to take an active approach rather than a passive one. “Lebanon belongs in the regional conversation – not just as a participant, but as a contributor,” Wehbe added.
This shared passion for Lebanon is deeply rooted in the new wave of business leaders, acting as a catalyst for their own individual plans. But it is also part of something broader – a desire to make strides for the country as a whole and its people.
Building the future
“It’s not about risk – it’s about love,” said the restaurateur Mario Junior Haddad. “We’re not just feeding people – we’re building futures.”
The new generation of business leaders agree that the future ideally needs to include the Lebanese diaspora, many of whom retain strong links locally.
“Our greatest export is our people,” Haddad noted. “But they all want to come home.”
This observation is just one of many that reaffirms the passion Lebanon’s new generation of entrepreneurs have for their country. Combined with a shared unwavering commitment and innovative approach, it is already helping to write Lebanon’s next chapter.
Insights from Hard Talk, part of HORECA Talks 2025 at HORECA Lebanon, organized by Hospitality News Middle East. Session moderated by Lisa Jerejian, communications manager at Hospitality Services.
