Photo provided by the institution
Angelina's Mont-Blanc and hot chocolate have now crossed the Mediterranean. On July 25, the Parisian house opened its first address in Lebanon, on the second floor of the ABC Dbayeh mall. The franchise was established by Premier Leisure Holding, part of the Boubess Group, to introduce a new concept that combines restaurant, tea room, and boutique to the local landscape.
Founded in 1903 under the arcades of Rue de Rivoli in Paris by Austrian pastry chef Anton Rumpelmayer, Angelina gradually became known as a Parisian institution. Its identity relies in particular on two iconic products: the Mont-Blanc and its hot chocolate.
In Dbayeh, the group chose to preserve this identity while adapting part of the menu to local tastes. "The food offered has been developed to meet the needs of local consumers while maintaining Angelina's culinary DNA," explained Hady Fadel, director of the Boubess Group.
The establishment covers 217 square meters and seats 115. Located in the indoor area of the mall, the restaurant does not have a separate terrace. It operates daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., bringing together dining, tea room, and retail activities under one roof.
From breakfast to dinner
The menu covers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with a wide selection of pastries, coffees, teas, herbal infusions, and hot chocolate. At lunchtime and in the evening, offerings include starters, salads, shared plates, club sandwiches, tartines, and main courses.
The average bill is about $30 per person. This price point positions Angelina within the premium dining segment of shopping centers while aiming to multiply consumption occasions thanks to an offering that spans the entire day.
The project is led by Premier Leisure Holding, or Boubess Group. However, the amount invested has not been disclosed. "We generally do not publicly share financial information about our projects and therefore cannot communicate the investment amount," said the group director, who also declined to provide information on the source of funding or the expected return on investment timeline.
The chosen legal structure is SCZ SAL, a separate entity within Premier Leisure Holding. According to the group, this choice aims to allow for clearer governance and operations, while retaining the strategic support of the holding company.
Nonetheless, the lack of financial data does not mean the group considers this opening as a short-term gamble. On the contrary, Boubess claims a long-term investment strategy, despite the Lebanese economic context.
"Investment decisions are often better made in difficult times," said Hady Fadel, considering that periods of crisis can also help identify unmet needs and allow an early position before a potential market recovery.
For Premier Leisure Holding, the opening comes as the Lebanese restaurant sector continues to evolve in a challenging economic climate. But the group sees this particular moment as a window of opportunity.
"Consumer demand for distinctive and quality experiences remains strong," he said, also highlighting the regular foot traffic at ABC Dbayeh. The rationale is thus for an investment designed to endure, rather than a response only to current economic conditions.
With Angelina, Boubess Group adds another international brand to its portfolio, betting on a concept that combines the heritage image of a Parisian institution, an all-day dining offer, and retail activity. At Dbayeh, the challenge will now be turning this notoriety from Rue de Rivoli into local consumption habits. Another opening is scheduled in a month at ABC Achrafieh.
This article originally appeared in French on L'Orient-Le Jour.
