Semsom expands in region

Taps Kuwaiti and Qatari markets

Local dining chain Semsom will be opening a new branch in Sodeco, as of mid-2013. The restaurant stretches over 600 square meters, with an investment of over $800,000.

Semsom, a Lebanese cuisine ‘with a twist’ concept, was established in 2008. It is present in City Mall and Ashrafieh Sassine Square. “The Ashrafieh branch was closed once the Sodeco branch project was launched,” said Christine Sfeir, CEO of Treats Holding, owner of the concept. “We have chosen Sodeco because the area is located in the middle of Beirut,” Sfeir said. She said very few standalone restaurants with concepts similar to Semsom’s are available in that part of the city.

The new opening was planned a couple of years back. “Because we chose to stay in the country, we need to keep on moving forward and to always have new plans,” Sfeir said. Semsom City Mall will be completely renovated.

Semson is also expanding its regional network with the first branch in Kuwait and a second branch in KSA. The diner is also expected to make its debut in Qatar during 2013.

Sfeir is also the CEO of Meeting Point, the company that introduced the Dunkin Donuts brand locally in 1998. According to Sfeir, three new Dunkin Donuts outlets will be opened this year. Green Falafel, another concept by Sfeir, opened its first outlet in Jal El Dib late 2012 and a second outlet will be launched this year.

Sfeir is also in the process of finalizing a new F&B project in the UAE, which will be revealed at a later stage.