What can you tell us more about your collaboration with Conshierto SAS Master, which resulted in the opening of Malak Al Tawouk in France?
We have two main priorities at Malak al Tawouk: building and strengthening our brand; and expanding our iconic Lebanese brand. These factors led to our collaboration with Conshierto SAS Master. We are delighted that the opening of our restaurant in France was such a massive hit.
Why did you decide to open in France specifically?
The interest in Lebanese cuisine and the country’s vibrant economy represented an excellent growth opportunity for Malak al Tawouk. We have already seen France’s Lebanese community embrace Malak al Tawouk, and we now have the chance to bring the best of our brand and its rich history of providing customers with quality food, value and service since 1996 to France with established partners who have expertise in the industry and the country.
What are the challenges you are facing?
The strict Covid-19 protocols and the total lockdown are the major challenges that we are currently facing.
Can you describe your experience in the French market and your expectations?
The response from the community was beyond expectations. We were serving around 500 customers a day, and we believe we can achieve even more once things are back to normal.
What are your future plans for the company?
We are planning to open more than five Malak al Tawouk restaurants across France over the next three years and to expand into Germany.
About author
Rita Ghantous
Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.
