The intoxicating aroma of freshly baked pita, the sizzle of shawarma on vertical spits, and the rhythmic chopping of parsley for tabbouleh—these are the sensory hallmarks of Mezza Lebanese Kitchen, a culinary institution that has been feeding Halifax’s appetite for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine since 2007. Now, brothers Tony and Peter Nahas are writing the next chapter in their family’s culinary legacy with an ambitious expansion that speaks volumes about both their entrepreneurial spirit and the evolving palate of Atlantic Canada.
Standing in their newly renovated flagship location on Dresden Row, Tony Nahas exudes the quiet confidence of someone who has turned his family’s recipes into a thriving business. “This is our 22nd location,” he says, gesturing around the space that marries contemporary design with subtle nods to Lebanese heritage. “When we started with just one restaurant, we never imagined we’d be here.”
The Nahas brothers’ story is emblematic of Canada’s entrepreneurial immigrant narrative—a tale of cultural preservation through food and business acumen. Their journey began with a single restaurant in Halifax’s downtown core, where their father’s recipes quickly garnered a loyal following. What distinguished Mezza from the outset was its commitment to authenticity while adapting to Canadian tastes and expectations.
“We’ve stayed true to our roots,” explains Peter Nahas. “Every sauce, every marinade is made from scratch using recipes passed down through generations. But we’ve also created an experience that feels accessible to everyone.”
That delicate balance has proven to be a winning formula. From that solitary location, Mezza has methodically expanded across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and now, with their newest openings, into Newfoundland and Labrador. Their growth strategy reveals a thoughtful approach to scaling what is, at its heart, a family business.
The restaurant industry is notoriously challenging—a reality made even more stark by the pandemic’s devastating impact on food service. While many establishments shuttered permanently, Mezza not only survived but thrived, adding seven new locations since 2020. This counter-intuitive expansion during a period of industry contraction speaks to both the brothers’ business savvy and the enduring appeal of their concept.
“We saw opportunity where others saw obstacles,” Tony explains. “When commercial real estate prices dropped and prime locations became available, we made strategic moves that positioned us for the future.”
This latest phase of expansion includes not just new restaurants but an evolution of their brand. The refreshed flagship location features an expanded menu, innovative interior design, and a renewed focus on the dine-in experience—all while maintaining the quick-service model that made them successful.
What’s particularly noteworthy about Mezza’s growth is how it reflects broader cultural shifts in Canadian food culture. The mainstreaming of formerly “ethnic” cuisines represents a significant evolution in our collective palate. Foods that might have been considered exotic two decades ago—like hummus, falafel, and shawarma—are now staples in many Canadian households.
The Nahas brothers have been both beneficiaries and drivers of this shift. By maintaining authenticity while creating accessible entry points for those new to Lebanese cuisine, they’ve helped normalize Middle Eastern flavors in Atlantic Canada’s culinary landscape.
“Food is the ultimate cultural ambassador,” reflects Peter. “When someone tries our food for the first time and loves it, they’re connecting with our heritage in a meaningful way.”
As they look toward the future, the brothers have ambitious plans that extend beyond restaurant expansion. They’re exploring retail opportunities for their most popular products and continuing to refine their operational systems to support sustained growth.
The Mezza story offers valuable insights for the broader business community. In an era where chain restaurants often sacrifice quality for scale, the Nahas brothers demonstrate that growth and authenticity need not be mutually exclusive. Their success suggests that consumers increasingly value authentic cultural experiences delivered with consistency and convenience.
For Halifax, a city whose culinary scene has evolved dramatically in recent years, Mezza represents something more than just another successful local business. It symbolizes the enriching impact of cultural diversity on our urban fabric. Each new location creates not just jobs and economic activity, but spaces where cultural exchange happens organically, one meal at a time.
As food culture continues to evolve, the line between “ethnic” and “mainstream” cuisine increasingly blurs. The Nahas brothers aren’t just building a restaurant chain—they’re participating in a broader cultural conversation about identity, authenticity, and the unifying power of shared meals.
The next time you bite into a perfectly wrapped shawarma or scoop up hummus with warm pita at Mezza, remember that you’re tasting more than just expertly prepared food. You’re experiencing the culmination of a family’s journey, a culinary tradition’s evolution, and the continuing story of how diverse flavors become part of our collective identity. In that sense, Mezza’s expansion represents not just business success, but a testament to how cultural exchange enriches us all.
