Chant Alexandrian, Founder Almayass Restaurant

Picking New York City was a matter of feeling and instinct. We found it to be a suitable destination to have a foothold in, as it could open doors for future global expansion. We evaluated the operation positively. However, we have faced unexpected financial challenges, and to overcome them, you have to continue pushing forward rather than quit. Our client base spans locals from different age groups, visitors from around the US and overseas, and various celebrities. Operationally, NYC has many more regulations to follow than in Lebanon, which becomes more challenging. A restaurant gains strength we believe, mostly internally; the quality of ingredients it uses, the service it provides, the atmosphere and the way guests are approached. In general, the level of hospitality and quality, along with reasonable prices, can make a restaurant strong in every market. Regarding profits, our main focus is guest satisfaction - this is what we view as profitable. Our future plans include focusing on up-keep and strengthening the restaurant in NYC.