Chris Khalifa on pivoting from investment banking to F&B by starting Egyptian street food icon Zööba and learning key lessons after initially failing fast and hard.

The Lighthouse Conversations

Apr 22 2020 | 00:35:47

00:00 / 00:35:47

Show Notes

This week, we’re joined from New York City by Chris Khalifa, founder of Zööba, an Egyptian street food concept he launched in Cairo in 2012 and took all the way to NYC late last year. Chris shares the story behind Zööba and how--after initially expanding too quickly and failing--they consolidated their business, learnt key lessons and set out to expand yet again to build what is now a successful—and some would say iconic—brand. Post recording, Chris gave us an update on the impact of the current Covid-19 pandemic on Zööba, how they are handling the crisis and the steps they’ve taken to protect the business.

Other Episodes

Episode 10

March 25, 2020 • 00:33:59

Vilma Jurkute on developing Alserkal Avenue into an arts & culture hub by taking risks on risk-takers

This week, we’re joined by Vilma Jurkute, Director at Alserkal who shares her experience in developing Alserkal Avenue as the leading arts & culture...

Episode 20

August 26, 2020 • 00:35:05

Zeina El-Dana on the changing face of PR and why female mentorship matters

_Our hearts go out to those affected by the explosions in Beirut on August 4, 2020 which left hundreds dead, thousands injured and billions...

Episode 15

June 11, 2020 • 00:42:32

Tarik Al-Zaharna on finding his voice in the region’s architectural landscape and why friction is sometimes necessary when creating new design concepts

The Lighthouse was conceived as a design-centric brand from the outset and its founders never took its design aesthetic—whether interior, graphic or digital design—for...