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
Khalil Assaad
FOUNDER & PATRIARCH
Leaving Lebanon during the 1980s war, Khalil built a remarkable hospitality legacy across the US and Canada. Starting his US restaurant journey in 1989, he later moved to Canada in 2002, launching iconic brands including Steak & Cheese Factory, Quick Pita Lebanese Kitchen, World Food Market, El Gourmet, and Azul Lounge. A proud participant in Ontario culinary traditions like the CNE and Royal Fair since 2003, he is now preparing to step into retirement and hand the torch to the next generation.
Shireene Assaad
CEO, EL GOURMET PORTFOLIO
Shireene Assaad
CEO, EL GOURMET PORTFOLIO
Deeply rooted in the family business since age 13, Shireene carries a lifelong passion for hospitality. After graduating with honors from Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson), she spent 11 successful years rising from intern to National Sales Manager at Volkswagen Group. In 2024, she returned to her roots as CEO to expand the El Gourmet portfolio into its vibrant next chapter.
Maya Assaad
MARKETING & QUALITY LEAD
Maya Assaad
MARKETING & QUALITY LEAD
Maya’s culinary journey began at age 10, helping her father balance the front of house. After earning an honors Marketing degree from TMU (Ryerson), she worked as an international export sales manager for a leading pharmaceutical brand in Lebanon, successfully scaling it into global Middle Eastern markets. Today, she directs El Gourmet’s brand strategy, marketing, and quality assurance.
Ibrahim Assaad
HEAD PASTRY CHEF & OPERATIONS
Ibrahim Assaad
HEAD PASTRY CHEF & OPERATIONS
Learning every corner of restaurant operations from a young age, Ibrahim was managing family locations by age 20 and played a instrumental role in bringing El Gourmet from concept to grand opening in Canada. Alongside his corporate career, he is our Head Pastry Chef and true guardian of Grandma Fatima’s sweet recipes—waking up at 4:00 AM every morning to bake his famous, legendary Kunafa from scratch.
Tamara Assaad
CATERING & CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Tamara Assaad
CATERING & CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Part of the business since childhood, Tamara built her professional background in the fitness industry, cultivating a passion for leadership and client relations. Alongside her corporate career, she has been an essential contributor since El Gourmet's opening—shaping brand presentation, catering operations, and ensuring exceptional service for every guest.
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.