(Credit: Photo provided by the establishment)
Behind the project is an investment of more than $2 million and a clear conviction: betting on Beirut against the prevailing trend. "We invest with a long-term vision, without reacting to short-term economic cycles," says Rabih Fakhreddine, head of 7 Management, which operates the restaurant in partnership with Assaad Group.
Located downtown, Scalini Beirut occupies a space of nearly 500 square meters, with 60 seats indoors, 85 on the terrace and a staff of about 50 employees. The establishment is run by Dolce DT SAL, a company created specifically for this project to "ensure clear governance, financial transparency and effective risk management," its manager explains.
The opening comes as several players in the restaurant sector continue to believe in the potential of the Lebanese market, despite an economy still marked by crisis and the aftermath of war.
Recreating the London and Dubai experience
Founded in Chelsea, London in 1988, Scalini has, over the decades, established itself as one of the benchmarks of high-end Italian cuisine, before expanding to Dubai and several other international destinations.
The goal, Fakhreddine insists, is not to adapt the concept to the local market but to faithfully recreate the international experience. "Beirut receives exactly the same experience as London and Dubai. The recipes, quality standards, service philosophy and customer experience are all identical. Teams from the international Scalini network worked with us to ensure this consistency from day one," he explains.
The menu thus features the brand's signature dishes: handmade fresh pasta, seafood, antipasti, pizzas, Italian classics and desserts, accompanied by an extensive wine list. The average bill is estimated at $80 per person.
A partnership between local and international players
The project is the result of a partnership between 7 Management and Assaad Group, already known for operating Joe & The Juice in Lebanon and Cyprus. According to Rabih Fakhreddine, this alliance combines "international expertise in hospitality and a strong knowledge of the local market."
The funds were provided exclusively by the project's shareholders and partners. The development of Scalini Beirut required almost two years of preparation. "We were convinced that Beirut deserved the same international gastronomic experience."
Beyond this partnership, the group believed there was a gap to fill in the market. "Beirut has an extremely dynamic food scene, but in our opinion, it was missing a true Italian institution with heritage, an international reputation and consistent quality."
In a sector where many investors remain cautious, Fakhreddine embraces a counter-cyclical strategy. "We see the current difficulties as an opportunity to participate in the city's revival. We believe in Lebanon's resilience, in its talent and in its ability to remain one of the great culinary destinations in the region."
The group is targeting a return on investment in about three years, while, as he says, "prioritizing building the brand's value over the long term."
Above all, Scalini Beirut is just the first step. In the coming months, 7 Management plans to announce the arrival in Lebanon of a new international coffee chain as well as the launch of several concepts developed in Dubai, including YUBI and Lady Bird.
