I’m Firas Wannous, founder of FW Management, the hospitality group behind some of Lebanon’s most beloved and fast-growing concepts: Chabablaki, Sheikh El Meshwe, Sama Arze, and Laymounia.
Beyond our owned brands, FW Management has also invested in and co-founded major success stories, including Karakand and the rapidly expanding chain of Machrou3 Café locations.

My journey in hospitality began early. At just 15 years old, I was working in the kitchen of a small neighborhood café, Saj Café. When the owners decided to sell, I made a bold decision that changed my life: I rented the place myself. That risk paid off — and it sparked the beginning of a long entrepreneurial journey. After Saj Café, I explored catering and cocktail design, even earning a degree in mixology. The path wasn’t always easy. I learned through failures, setbacks, and tough lessons — each one preparing me for what came next.

In 2012, I opened Mousikar, a nightclub that quickly became a success. But the turning point of my career came in 2018, during a difficult chapter of my life, when a friend approached me with the idea of starting something new. I proposed a concept that would soon change the hospitality landscape in Lebanon: Machrou3 Café.

We launched Machrou3 Café during one of Lebanon’s most challenging moments — the economic crisis and the 2019 revolution. Despite the circumstances, we pushed forward, opening one new branch every month. The original goal was ambitious: 10 branches in the first year — and we achieved it.
In 2020, we introduced Lebanon’s first official collaboration concept with Machrou3 Pros, followed by Machrou3 Taigain 2021.

Driven by passion and a commitment to innovation, I continued building concepts that each reflect a different part of my personality and vision:

• Sama Arze (2022) — a warm and magical concept inspired by sunsets, international cuisine, and Arabian nights.

• Chabablaki (2022) — designed for the modern gentleman in his 30s, blending great food, live singing, fun energy, and a flirty spirit.

• Sheikh El Meshwe (2023) — a Lebanese-American barbecue house inspired by a charismatic character returning to his roots.

• Laymounia (2024) — launched in Le Mall Dbayeh, created for families, professionals, and shoppers seeking a refreshing, feel-good break.

Alongside building brands, I also consult for regional ventures, including Anas (2021) and Kahwit El Taiga Qatar (2024).

Through FW Management, I’ve been able to transform ideas into experiences by crafting places where people gather, connect, celebrate, unwind, and feel something special.
Every brand in our portfolio carries a story, a purpose, and a part of who I am.

And this is only the beginning.
Cheers to what’s next. the future is full of flavors.