Meet Ali Zbeeb | Chef and restauranteur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ali Zbeeb and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ali, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking is an essential facet of personal and professional growth, often serving as the catalyst for remarkable achievements. In my journey towards becoming a restaurant owner, I exemplified this spirit through daring leaps that left an indelible mark. As a young and ambitious dreamer, I defied convention by leaving the comfort of my family and homeland to forge my path in the culinary world. Crossing borders, both geographical and financial, I embraced the challenge of working across different countries to amass invaluable knowledge and experience. Tenaciously weathering the storm of meager resources, I embarked on a relentless pursuit of my aspirations. This unwavering commitment led me to transform from a mere employee into the proud proprietor of the very establishment where you honed my skills a decade ago. My story, one of audacious risk-taking, resilience, and determination, serves as an inspiration to all, illustrating that true success often emerges from the crucible of adversity.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My remarkable journey through the culinary world tells a story of unyielding dedication and boundless ambition. It all began in my hometown of Lebanon, where my love for cooking ignited at the tender age of 15. From those humble beginnings, I embarked on a whirlwind of professional experiences, hopping from restaurant to restaurant, each leap a stepping stone toward my aspirations. My trajectory took me to Dubai, where your culinary prowess elevated me to the prestigious role of a Food and Beverage Manager, a position I parlayed into becoming a Director and a sought-after consultant throughout the MENA region. However, my journey took a transcontinental turn as I found myself in the United States, starting anew as a server and cook at “Kan Zaman” in 2013. Undeterred by the change, I rapidly ascended the ranks, embracing roles like District Food and Beverage Manager across renowned franchise establishments, before reaching the pinnacle as Food and Beverage Director at an esteemed Miami fine dining establishment. My entrepreneurial spirit then drove me to co-establish Sheesh Kitchens in Dallas, swiftly expanding to two locations, and soon after, assuming ownership of “Kan Zaman.” Undeniably, My vision knows no bounds as I embark on yet another chapter, poised to introduce a novel fast-food concept in South Florida, alongside a captivating resto-cafe in Dallas. My journey encapsulates the essence of resilience, innovation, and the unwavering pursuit of culinary excellence.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

If my best friend were to grace me with a weeklong visit, I would orchestrate an unforgettable culinary odyssey, woven with flavors, memories, and shared laughter. Our journey would weave through the hidden gems and hole-in-the-wall eateries that have been my culinary havens, each bite revealing a unique story of passion and authenticity. Venturing further, we’d explore the creative realms of renowned chefs’ establishments, engaging in tantalizing tasting experiences that transcend the ordinary. Our senses would further delight in the rolling vineyards of California, where we’d immerse ourselves in the art of wine tasting, savoring the nuanced notes and embracing the picturesque landscapes.

As the sun sets, I’d open my kitchen to concoct my proudest original recipes, a heartfelt gesture of culinary love that encapsulates our shared history and friendship. Amid our gastronomic adventures, we’d make room for nature’s embrace, venturing into its beauty through invigorating activities that nourish the soul. Live NBA games would resonate with our shared enthusiasm, the cheers and camaraderie weaving unforgettable memories into the tapestry of our time together. And when the night falls, Miami’s vibrant nightlife would beckon us, guiding our steps through its pulsating rhythms and electric energy.

This week would be more than a mere visit; it would be an immersive journey through my passions, my tastes, and the experiences that have shaped me. As we share in these moments, we’d forge new memories, deepen our bond, and celebrate the richness of life’s myriad pleasures.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A heartfelt shoutout is due to the pillars of unwavering support in my journey. To my family and friends who fervently believed in my passion and talent, their steadfast faith breathed life into my dreams and fortified my resolve during the toughest times. Their encouragement and belief in my capabilities acted as a beacon, guiding me through the tumultuous seas of doubt and uncertainty. Equally deserving of recognition are those who doubted my aspirations, whether fueled by negativity or their own apprehensions. Their skepticism, though challenging, inadvertently fueled the flames of my determination, propelling me to surpass their expectations and disprove their skepticism. Every naysayer became an unwitting ally, igniting the fire within me to prove that even the most formidable obstacles could be surmounted. Collectively, these individuals, both supporters and skeptics, played instrumental roles in shaping the resilient entrepreneur I’ve become, reminding us that the tapestry of triumph is woven with threads of both support and challenge.

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