Ahlan Wahsalan
Welcome to Your Home Away from Home
The Beirut Restaurant was established in 1977 as a joint ownership with Labib Hajjar and Riad Abou-Arraj. The concept started in 1974 when Labib and his cousin opened the Beirut Bakery. The bakery quickly became famous for its pita bread, grape leaves, kibbie, and other homemade ethnic foods. The Beirut Restaurant was born at 4350 Monroe Street. Due to popular demand for this unique and exotic menu, the original restaurant of 86 guests relocated to 4082 Monroe Street, its current location seating over 200 guests. Labib with his wife Karyn and Riad managed and nurtured the business and quickly the Beirut became “home away from home” to so many in the community. The Beirut is the place where you get delicious, home cooked Lebanese food while feeling the warmth and hospitality of the Hajjar/Abou-Arraj families. It is also the destination for so many out-of-towners who need their “Beirut Fix”. The Beirut offers a large carry out service as well as a growing catering business. In 2006, The Kitchen at the Beirut opened, a deli-style atmosphere serving lunch and carry-out service.
In 1989, The Beirut’s sister restaurant, Byblos, was opened on Reynolds Road. Byblos is owned and operated with Labib and his partner Riad, his brothers Maher and Ziad, and cousin Sami Sayegh. The family has remained loyal to server consistent homemade food for close to 40 years.
In the fall of 2002, Labib opened the original Poco Piatti on Monroe Street. Four years later his son, Elias would carry on the tradition of his father’s hard work by opening his own Poco Piatti with his wife Joy, in Levis Commons its present location. With health conscious menu choices that are good for the heart, soul, and palate, diners can take a paced journey through the Mediterranean.
Enjoy,
Riad, Labib & Karyn
Food
This is what they come for. The food at The Beirut is made from scratch with authentic ingredients. Share an assortment of appetizers, such as Fatoosh, Grape Leaves, Raw Kibbi, Hommos, Aryese and Tabbouli. Or try an entrée like Shish Kafta (choice leg of lamb mixed with parseley, onions, and special spices), Beirut Best (sautéed filet tips with fresh garlic and lemon juice served over Hommos) or even homemade pizza! Outstanding wines from all around the globe complete the feast.
Atmosphere
The Beirut is a friendly gathering spot — energetic, a little loud, and eclectic in décor. It’s not unusual to feel you’ve stepped into an exotic world full of unique wall hangings, murals and Middle-Eastern music. Nor is it unusual to encounter the occasional celebrity. The restaurant is family-owned and operated, so you’re assured to the best care and comfort.
Community
The Beirut received the Best Ethnic restaurant in Ohio Award 2012
Labib Hajjar is a recipient of the Jefferson Award 2009, Lifetime Achievement Award Ohio Restaurant Association 2007, Silver Hope Award and Diversity Award National Restaurant Association 2008. Labib has been the Co-Chairperson of Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation Toledo since 1996. The Beirut, Byblos and Poco Piatti are featured participants at this annual food and wine event, with all proceeds to benefit area organizations and food banks. Labib has also chaired and still helps facilitate restaurants for The Red Cross Oscar Night since 2001 with all proceeds helping Red Cross.
The Beirut participates in various fundraisers including, The American Heart Association, The Ronald McDonald House, Mobile Meals, Ability Center, Juvenile Diabetes, Kidney Foundation, Muscular Sclerosis, ProMedica and Zoo to Do.
Local Universities/Hospitals as well as schools such as: Ottawa Hills, St. Francis de Sales, St. John's Jesuit combined with various religious institutions have also been included in fundraisers.
In addition, Labib has served as the president of the Northwest Ohio Restaurant Association is a Distinguished Clown and was coordinator of Eat Out NWORA after 911.