A localized financial downturn presents entrepreneurs with alternatives to faucet new markets and develop their enterprise, if they will see previous the challenges and are prepared to innovate.
We heard firsthand from Rabih Fakhreddine, founder and group CEO of seven Administration, and one among Lebanon’s pioneering hospitality entrepreneurs, about how he efficiently adopted this technique.
“When Lebanon’s economic system started to say no, we didn’t depart – we expanded,” he mentioned.
Fakhreddine defined that the corporate used the time to check new markets with signature occasions and pilot initiatives, together with Antika Nights, earlier than opening everlasting venues. Over time, the enterprise mannequin has proved to be extremely profitable for a various vary of seven Administration’s ideas, situated throughout numerous locations.
Adaptability: within the Lebanese DNA
Financial uncertainty is only one of many obstacles that Lebanese enterprise leaders have learnt to navigate over time, displaying spectacular expertise and qualities alongside the best way that embody willpower, creativity and intuition a few mission’s potential. “Lebanon teaches you to hustle, to adapt,” Fakhreddine mentioned. “This resilience is our edge.”
Like Fakhreddine, many native entrepreneurs who’ve sought alternatives throughout the area in markets comparable to Dubai stay dedicated to Lebanon and are eager to assist its restoration and development.
Fakhreddine defined that his plans for Lebanon embody launching the well-known Italian restaurant Scalini in Beirut by October 2025 and a well-liked Dubai-born burger idea in the summertime. “Success means giving again – to your folks, your trade and your nation,” he mentioned, including that he credit his staff and companions for the corporate’s achievements.
At all times forward-focused
As an trade disruptor, Fakhreddine additionally acknowledges the significance of by no means standing nonetheless within the aggressive enterprise of brand-building, whether or not that’s by way of collaborative ventures, like Theatre Dubai, co-created with Man Manoukian, or being a part of cutting-edge initiatives, comparable to Saudi Arabia’s forward-focused Sindalah Island.
Figuring out easy methods to scale an idea and entice new prospects in a distinct vacation spot can also be a vital part of profitable enlargement. Fakhreddine gave the instance of 25 Soar Road, an upcoming street-style culinary hub idea earmarked for Dubai however impressed by Beirut’s Mar Mikhael. “We’re exporting our vibe, our tradition and our vitality,” he defined, highlighting the venue’s sights.
The 7 Administration success story dates again to 2015 when Fakhreddine launched his first idea, ‘Seven Sisters’, in Beirut. Right now, the corporate has a portfolio of greater than 10 well-known manufacturers in Lebanon, the UAE, Qatar and Greece, amongst different nations. Its three areas of enterprise are: homegrown ideas; franchise partnerships; and third-party operations.
Rabih Fakhreddine was offered with the Visionary Entrepreneur Award at HORECA Lebanon 2025 in recognition of his daring method to management, unwavering dedication to Lebanon and standout contribution to the area’s hospitality panorama.
Insights from Exhausting Speak, a part of HORECA Talks 2025 at HORECA Lebanon, co-organized by Hospitality Information Center East and Hodema Consulting Companies. Session moderated by Lisa Jerejian, communications supervisor at Hospitality Companies and Nagi Morkos, founder and managing accomplice of Hodema Consulting Companies.
Should you missed HorecaTalks 2025, make amends for all of the discussions right here:
