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 24

October 21, 2020 • 00:45:48

“Life is beautiful” has become a personal philosophy for me.’ Fatafeat founder Youssef El Deeb on his creative journey across media platforms, and the Arabic saying that became his life’s calling.

This week’s episode was quite a unique experience for us at the recording studio that we hope all you listeners will enjoy! Our guest,...

Episode 37

June 03, 2021 • 00:50:15

“The artist’s box doesn’t have to be small or exclusive.” Maha Maamoun on her multidisciplinary art practice and the importance of making art accessible to a wider audience

In today’s episode, host Hashem Montasser, a collector of Middle East art, catches up with multi-disciplinary and award-winning Egyptian artist Maha Maamoun. Maha expands...

Episode 16

July 01, 2020 • 00:41:44

Nelio Leone on how Italian grannies are the ultimate weapons of mass surveillance & why privacy concerns should be on everyone’s mind

This week, Hashem Montasser is in conversation with Nelio Leone, Founder of Urban Monks, a growth marketing agency he started in early 2019. Before...