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Hamilton Spectator
27-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
N.S.‘s Lebanese entrepreneurs build a national presence, as Shawarma leads the way
HALIFAX - At a Mezza Lebanese Kitchen restaurant, Tony Nahas demonstrates slicing from a spit of roasting chicken much as his father did — with a razor-sharp knife dropping the aromatic meat from grill to gathering tray. But then he switches to what he calls the 'newer generation's' tool: a humming, electric carver that can create Shawarma servings more efficiently for hungry lunchtime customers. It's the essentially the same style of Middle Eastern meat, marinated in a secret sauce created in the family restaurant 35 years ago, but produced for more customers. Like the ambitions of the younger generation of Lebanese Nova Scotian entrepreneurs, the business plans of the restaurant are expanding into faster and larger horizons. 'For our parents it was just putting food on the (restaurant) table. That's what mattered. For us, it's how do we increase the scale of that,' said Peter Nahas, Tony's younger brother and business partner. Across the city, at a federally certified, large-scale production facility, custom-designed machinery produces hummus, garlic sauce and pickled turnips for 24 locations, including recently opened outlets in Calgary and in the St. John's, N.L., area. The franchise is soon expanding in Ontario, and international outlets are next on the horizon. Some business leaders see the chain as an example of the widening goals of Nova Scotia's Lebanese diaspora, and its plans for expansion. 'We celebrate together ... we mourn together, we do business together,' said Norman Nahas, a major player in the city's real estate scene, adding the community gathers for festivals, baptisms and burials at two large Halifax churches. 'My father came in 1967; others came in the 1970s ... And now you're seeing second and third generations continuing in the family business. It's gone from operating a corner store, to buying an adjacent building, to learning to build and grow an industry,' said the Lebanese Chamber of Commerce in Nova Scotia leader — who recently partnered in opening a new Moxy Hotel in Halifax. Nahas, a first cousin to the restaurateurs, estimates the chamber now has close to 1,300 members, in a community of about 12,000 people in the capital city. He says the Mezza enterprise is being watched by the city's Lebanese network, as an example of one of their own taking a franchise across the country. 'They're opening the eyes of Canadians to what Lebanese food is on a quick service food level, which there aren't many other brands matching,' said Norman Nahas. The Nahas brothers recall rushing from school to the original family restaurant at lunch hours, where they were assigned tasks as they became teenagers. Their parents workday usually went from 8 a.m. until 9:30 p.m., until their 2012 retirement. Their story resonates with Joe Metlege, another second-generation Lebanese Nova Scotian entrepreneur — whose Templeton Properties has grown into one of the city's major developers. Children were brought up to labour in the family enterprise, said Metlege, recalling days of cleaning apartments for his father's company. 'They (the first generation) didn't come here with a social safety net and expectations of government handouts. They came to survive and take care of their families,' he said. The Nahas siblings say their business concept hinges on ideas inherited from the prior generation, blended with their knowledge of the fast-paced demands of Canadian life. Tony recalls his father teaching him to display delicious dishes so that customers 'eat with their eyes.' He insists on franchises chopping their own vegetables, while the Arabic music playing in the background is 'non negotiable.' On the other hand, the family processing plant now debones the chicken destined for Shawarma dishes, and it's not uncommon to have three, 30 to 60 kg roasts underway at one location. At the chain's downtown location, open into the small hours of the morning, as many as six spits disappear into Halifax stomachs over 24 hours. Peter Nahas says Lebanese business networks mostly assist in the form of advice, support and mentoring — rather than direct investment from venture capitalists. They rely on banking and conventional investment channels to fund their growth, he said. 'But you see a lot of Lebanese Nova Scotian partnerships, and a lot of people working together just as pure business operations,' he said. It also doesn't hurt to have hungry Lebanese newcomers and their descendants across Canada, willing to support a fast-food version of their cuisine. In Windsor, N.S., Natasha Feghali, a chair of the Windsor-Essex Lebanese Community Council, said in a recent interview she's eagerly awaiting one of the outlets opening in the Ontario community this summer. 'I think for everyone it will be a pleasure to welcome a new restaurant in our area. We'll see not only Lebanese but other Windsor residents going to enjoy the cuisine,' she said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 27, 2025. — With files from Jaqueline Newsome in Halifax.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
N.S.'s Lebanese entrepreneurs build a national presence, as Shawarma leads the way
HALIFAX — At a Mezza Lebanese Kitchen restaurant, Tony Nahas demonstrates slicing from a spit of roasting chicken much as his father did — with a razor-sharp knife dropping the aromatic meat from grill to gathering tray. But then he switches to what he calls the "newer generation's" tool: a humming, electric carver that can create Shawarma servings more efficiently for hungry lunchtime customers. It's the essentially the same style of Middle Eastern meat, marinated in a secret sauce created in the family restaurant 35 years ago, but produced for more customers. Like the ambitions of the younger generation of Lebanese Nova Scotian entrepreneurs, the business plans of the restaurant are expanding into faster and larger horizons. "For our parents it was just putting food on the (restaurant) table. That's what mattered. For us, it's how do we increase the scale of that," said Peter Nahas, Tony's younger brother and business partner. Across the city, at a federally certified, large-scale production facility, custom-designed machinery produces hummus, garlic sauce and pickled turnips for 24 locations, including recently opened outlets in Calgary and in the St. John's, N.L., area. The franchise is soon expanding in Ontario, and international outlets are next on the horizon. Some business leaders see the chain as an example of the widening goals of Nova Scotia's Lebanese diaspora, and its plans for expansion. "We celebrate together ... we mourn together, we do business together," said Norman Nahas, a major player in the city's real estate scene, adding the community gathers for festivals, baptisms and burials at two large Halifax churches. "My father came in 1967; others came in the 1970s ... And now you're seeing second and third generations continuing in the family business. It's gone from operating a corner store, to buying an adjacent building, to learning to build and grow an industry," said the Lebanese Chamber of Commerce in Nova Scotia leader — who recently partnered in opening a new Moxy Hotel in Halifax. Nahas, a first cousin to the restaurateurs, estimates the chamber now has close to 1,300 members, in a community of about 12,000 people in the capital city. He says the Mezza enterprise is being watched by the city's Lebanese network, as an example of one of their own taking a franchise across the country. "They're opening the eyes of Canadians to what Lebanese food is on a quick service food level, which there aren't many other brands matching," said Norman Nahas. The Nahas brothers recall rushing from school to the original family restaurant at lunch hours, where they were assigned tasks as they became teenagers. Their parents workday usually went from 8 a.m. until 9:30 p.m., until their 2012 retirement. Their story resonates with Joe Metlege, another second-generation Lebanese Nova Scotian entrepreneur — whose Templeton Properties has grown into one of the city's major developers. Children were brought up to labour in the family enterprise, said Metlege, recalling days of cleaning apartments for his father's company. "They (the first generation) didn't come here with a social safety net and expectations of government handouts. They came to survive and take care of their families," he said. The Nahas siblings say their business concept hinges on ideas inherited from the prior generation, blended with their knowledge of the fast-paced demands of Canadian life. Tony recalls his father teaching him to display delicious dishes so that customers "eat with their eyes." He insists on franchises chopping their own vegetables, while the Arabic music playing in the background is "non negotiable." On the other hand, the family processing plant now debones the chicken destined for Shawarma dishes, and it's not uncommon to have three, 30 to 60 kg roasts underway at one location. At the chain's downtown location, open into the small hours of the morning, as many as six spits disappear into Halifax stomachs over 24 hours. Peter Nahas says Lebanese business networks mostly assist in the form of advice, support and mentoring — rather than direct investment from venture capitalists. They rely on banking and conventional investment channels to fund their growth, he said. "But you see a lot of Lebanese Nova Scotian partnerships, and a lot of people working together just as pure business operations," he said. It also doesn't hurt to have hungry Lebanese newcomers and their descendants across Canada, willing to support a fast-food version of their cuisine. In Windsor, N.S., Natasha Feghali, a chair of the Windsor-Essex Lebanese Community Council, said in a recent interview she's eagerly awaiting one of the outlets opening in the Ontario community this summer. "I think for everyone it will be a pleasure to welcome a new restaurant in our area. We'll see not only Lebanese but other Windsor residents going to enjoy the cuisine," she said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 27, 2025. — With files from Jaqueline Newsome in Halifax. Michael Tutton, The Canadian Press Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Irish Examiner
07-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Cork sports retailer is running to a new location of its own
Running specialist retailer John Buckley Sports is ready, set, go to open a new shop, having bought the former Gala shop premises on Camden Wharf in Cork City. Currently trading from rented premises on nearby Mulgrave Road, the country's longest-established specialist running shop is due to move to Nos 4/5 Camden Wharf — near the new Moxy Hotel on Camden Quay — by the end of the year. Conor Kavanagh, director of John Buckley Sports, pictured outside the shop's soon-to-be new premises on Camden Wharf, Cork City. Picture: Chani Anderson 'It's really been about finding a permanent home that's our own, to have a premises that we can do what we want with,' said company director Conor Kavanagh. 'We'd prefer to be in charge of our own destiny, and I think the spot we have chosen is a very good spot. 'I think everyone else is running for the outlet centres, but we are quite confident that the city is going to survive and that a small independent retailer can survive against all the big multiples,' he added. The Camden Wharf premises was brought to market last year by Declan Hickey of Casey & Kingston with a guide price of €300,000 — but didn't quite make the guide. 'It will be great to see a new user in such a high profile location in the city,' Mr Hickey said. The 'Running Wall' inside John Buckley Sports showcasing signed shoes donated by legendary Irish athletes. Picture: Chani Anderson The premises is across the River Lee from the Cork Opera House and the Crawford Art Gallery, sitting adjacent to the Q carpark at Carroll's Quay. The Camden Wharf move will mean the business has relocated as many times as there are baton changes in a relay since founder and former Irish international runner John Buckley opened his first shop on Blarney Street in 1981. Since then, it's nudged its way slowly closer to the city centre, operating from two different Mulgrave Road premises — including No 11 — where it has traded for the past 14 years. Mr Kavanagh said the move to Camden Wharf, at the northern end of Christy Ring Bridge, would bring 'two sporting legends closer together'. 'It will be the meeting of Christy Ring and John Buckley,' he quipped. Mr Kavanagh said owning its own premises going forward meant the shop would have a permanent home rather than relying on leased premises. The business currently employs seven staff, a mixture of part-time and full-time. As they still have 10 years left on the existing lease, it has not yet been decided what the future is for Mulgrave Road — which is a bigger premises than the new one. 'We've been spoilt for choice on Mulgrave Road, so when we move, we will have to be a bit more clever about how we manage our stock,' Mr Kavanagh said. Officially retired from the business, John Buckley continues to be involved in organising the upcoming John Buckley Sports 39th Annual Road Race. It takes place on May 20. Brands stocked at John Buckley Sports — where gait analysis 'is the first port of call' — include Asics, Brook, Hoka, Mizuna, Adidas, New Balance, and Saucony. Nike is no longer stocked following a move by the global sportswear brand to cut back on third-party selling during the pandemic. 'If people want a good shoe, they come to us. We don't need to be right in the city centre — we are a destination store, rather than depending on passing footfall,' Mr Kavanagh said. He added that a big part of their business success is down to the staff 'and their knowledge and interest in getting the right product for the customer'. As well as selling 'specialised products', about 25% of business is generated by referrals from health care professionals, Mr Kavanagh said. They also have a seasonal trophy business, supplying medals for school sports and the like. The shop has long been supported by Ireland's international runners such as Olympic medal winners Sonia O'Sullivan and Rob Heffernan. John Buckley himself has held several Irish records and has won European Masters titles and World titles for distance running. Officially retired from the business, he continues to take an interest and is involved in organising the upcoming John Buckley Sports 39th Annual Road Race — which takes place on May 20 over the Marina circuit. The growing popularity of the Marina area among walkers, reinforced by covid, has been great for business, Mr Kavanagh said. 'I'd say 50% of our customers are walkers and the uptake has been huge since covid.' The move to the new shop is expected to take at least six months. 'Hopefully, we'll be in before the start of next year,' Mr Kavanagh said.
Axios
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Amid headwinds, Miami Beach Pride celebrates 17 years of joy, resistance
Miami Beach Pride is back for the 17th year, with events already underway and culminating this weekend with a two-day festival and parade. Why it matters: The Beach's Pride event is one of the largest in the nation, attracting about 170,000 people annually from around the world. But the celebration also comes as the Trump administration continues to push back against diversity initiatives and LGBTQ+ protections, and as Pride events nationwide report sponsorship withdrawals. The latest: The annual event kicked off last Thursday with a flag-raising ceremony, a family picnic on Saturday and Queer Art Showcase at the Moxy Hotel on Monday. Wednesday is the Mr. & Miss Miami Beach Pride Pageant at Palace Bar & Restaurant in South Beach. Between the lines: While some events are ticketed, this weekend's two-day festival at Lummus Park is free. What they're saying: "Our commitment is to try to make our programming as accessible as possible," Patrick Gevas, of Miami Beach Pride, told Axios. Gevas says Pride is a time for people to come together and find community. He encourages those who don't think Pride is for them to peruse the events and "figure out what Pride is for you." Zoom in: This year, the Lawn at the Calming Pavilion, which provides a space for those who have auditory sensitivities or feel overwhelmed by crowds, will offer a new "Tea with Elders" event for folks to speak with and learn from queer elders. Pride carries a great responsibility to share stories of resilience and hope, Gevas said. The quiet space offers a "sense of community that's been lost when Pride got corporate." Friction point: Like other Prides across the country, Miami Beach's nonprofit lost sponsors this year, Gevas told Axios. Companies backing out have cited internal reorganizations or conserving resources, not politics, said Gevas, though he did acknowledge it could be an underlying issue. Meanwhile, others, like Delta, have increased their sponsorships. The festival's lineup also includes the Jack Daniel's women's pavilion and a bar and lounge sponsored by Tito's. The bottom line: Current political discourse and the state of the economy has "certainly caused uncertainty," Gevas said. "But the spirit of Miami Beach Pride is resilience." This year, the nonprofit focused on getting creative and making adjustments to ensure shortfalls weren't felt.
