The Assaad Family Legacy
A 30+ year journey in the GTA food business, built on authenticity, hard work, and the boundless hospitality of Lebanon.
"I came to Canada with one suitcase and a dream to share the flavours that my mother made in our village in Mount Lebanon. Every dish we serve is a letter home."
Three Decades of Excellence
The Journey Begins in Washington D.C.
Founder Khalil Assaad takes his first leap into the food world, opening a small restaurant in Washington D.C. Combining authentic Lebanese flavors with warm hospitality, the concept immediately resonates with diners in the capital.
Expanding to Montreal
Building on his initial success, Khalil moves north and opens a restaurant in Montreal, tapping into the city's vibrant culinary culture and establishing a lifelong footprint in Canada.
A Milestone Exhibition Presence
El Gourmet joins the iconic World Food Market exhibition on Gerrard Street (in front of Toronto Metropolitan University). Hosting over 20 international food huts, this location becomes a beloved downtown staple, proudly approaching its 25th anniversary of exceptional outdoor service.
Establishing the Durham Region Hub
Recognizing a booming community and a growing need for authentic flavors, El Gourmet expands into the Durham Region. The goal: to build a premier Middle Eastern destination offering a seamless blend of our legendary live bakery, premium restaurant grill, and curated quality meat selections.
Launching Durham's Only Halal Deli Counter
Innovation continues with the launch of our specialized cut deli counter. As the only dedicated Halal deli in the Durham Region, it introduces an exciting Italian-Mediterranean fusion, offering uniquely crafted, premium sliced meats you won't find anywhere else.
A Growing Footprint
The Assaad family legacy expands globally and locally, operating multiple successful restaurant locations stretching from Virginia and Washington D.C., all the way back to Beirut, Lebanon, and right here in Downtown Toronto.
Our Values
Authenticity
We never compromise on traditional recipes. Every spice blend, every dough, every cut follows the methods Khalil learned in his mother's kitchen in Lebanon.
Family
When you walk through our doors, you are treated like family. We remember your order, your family celebrations, and we genuinely care about your happiness.
Quality
Only the finest imported and local ingredients make it to our kitchen. Our AAA Halal meats are sourced fresh daily, and our produce is hand-selected each morning.
Meet the Family
Khalil Assaad
FOUNDER & PATRIARCH
The visionary who planted the seed. Khalil's love for Lebanese cuisine and hospitality is the heartbeat of everything we do.
Shireene Assaad
CEO, EL GOURMET PORTFOLIO
Deeply rooted in the family business since age 13, Shireene has always carried a passion for hospitality. After graduating with honors from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), she transitioned to the corporate sector with the Volkswagen Group. Over an impressive 11-year tenure, she climbed the ranks from an intern to National Sales Manager. In 2024, she returned to her roots, stepping in as CEO to lead and expand the El Gourmet portfolio into its next generation.
Maya Assaad
MARKETING & QUALITY LEAD
Maya’s journey in the food business started at just 10 years old, helping her father balance the front of the house. She graduated with honors in Marketing from Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson) and later worked as an international export sales manager for a prominent pharmaceutical corporation in Lebanon, successfully scaling the brand into global Middle Eastern markets. Today, she channels her corporate expertise back into the family business as our head of marketing and quality assurance.
Ibrahim Assaad
HEAD PASTRY CHEF
The true guardian of Grandma Fatima's sweet traditions. As our Head Pastry Chef, Ibrahim ensures that the authentic flavors of Lebanon are perfectly captured in every bite. His signature Kunafa has earned a legendary reputation, often praised as Canada's finest, a title he honors by waking up at 4:00 AM every single morning to bake from scratch.
Tamara Assaad
OPERATIONS & FAMILY PARTNER
An integral piece of the family legacy, Tamara has been actively involved in supporting the family business from a young age, contributing her shared dedication to our growing community presence and operations.
Come Experience It For Yourself
The best way to understand the El Gourmet story is to pull up a chair, order a plate, and let the food speak for itself.