A unique series of six webinars was recently launched to shed light on how restaurateurs from Lebanon and the region are breaking through to grow their businesses abroad. Organized by AUB, OSB, Khaddit Beirut, the Lebanese Business Council in Kuwait, and in collaboration with the RNCP Syndicate and HORECA Live, the virtual series kicked off on June 8 with a discussion on entering new markets in the GCC and MENA region.

With talks taking place on Zoom every Tuesday until July 13, the webinars boasted over 15 renowned speakers from F&B companies such as Kitopi, and more than 200 professional attendees.

Topics included: franchising and manchising businesses, the latest trends in cloud kitchens and investment and funding opportunities.

Fida Kanaan, director of AUB Olayan School of Business executive education and cofounder of Khaddit Beirut, said: “The series is to create a platform for knowledge-sharing, shedding light on the successes of restaurant owners in Lebanon. Lebanon’s restaurant industry is a key attraction not only in Lebanon but also globally. Sharing business owners’ best practices will help it continue to prosper and grow on the regional and global scenes.”

Joumana Damous-Salame, managing director of Hospitality Services and HORECA Live organizer, said: “We were thrilled to collaborate with AUB and support the local restaurant scene. Although we are going through immensely challenging times, we will continue our mission to serve the hospitality industry and work collectively to rebuild this valuable sector of the economy.”