Nova Scotia’s Lebanese entrepreneurs build a national presence, as shawarma leads the way

Lebanese cuisine has been a staple in Nova Scotia for decades, with many Lebanese Nova Scotian entrepreneurs expanding their family businesses into larger and faster horizons. One such example is the Nahas brothers, Tony and Peter, who have taken over the family restaurant and expanded the Mezza Lebanese Kitchen into a successful franchise.

The brothers have modernized their approach to serving traditional Middle Eastern dishes, such as shawarma, by incorporating new tools and techniques. While Tony still demonstrates the traditional method of slicing meat from a spit with a razor-sharp knife, they have also introduced electric carvers to increase efficiency and cater to a larger customer base.

Their business has grown to include a federally certified production facility that produces hummus, garlic sauce, and pickled turnips for multiple locations across the country. With recent openings in Calgary and St. John’s, they are now setting their sights on expanding into Ontario and even international markets.

The success of the Mezza franchise is seen as a reflection of the larger goals of Nova Scotia’s Lebanese community, which has been steadily growing and contributing to the local economy. Norman Nahas, a prominent figure in Halifax’s real estate scene, highlights the community’s unity and support for one another in both personal and business endeavors.

The Nahas brothers’ journey from helping out in their parents’ restaurant as teenagers to running a successful franchise showcases the hard work and dedication of second-generation Lebanese entrepreneurs. They have combined traditional family recipes with a keen understanding of the fast-paced Canadian lifestyle to create a unique dining experience for their customers.

While they receive advice and support from the Lebanese business network, the brothers primarily rely on conventional investment channels to fund their growth. The support of Lebanese communities across Canada, like the one in Windsor, Ontario, further fuels their success and ensures a loyal customer base for their fast-food version of Lebanese cuisine.

As the Mezza Lebanese Kitchen continues to expand and attract customers from diverse backgrounds, it remains a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and culinary heritage of the Lebanese diaspora in Nova Scotia.