Lebanese kitchen preps for accelerated growth at new, modernized facility

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Two men pose in a restaurant booth; one is sitting, and one is standing behind it.

Government of Canada investment will help high-growth Nova Scotia company become more productive, diverse, and competitive

August 13, 2024 · Dartmouth, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Canada’s entrepreneurs and innovators feed economic growth by focusing on productivity and adopting new technologies. The Government of Canada is investing in a maritime-grown food company as it builds a state-of-the-art production space to scale-up and reach new markets.

Homegrown roots, widespread potential

Today, Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour was joined by the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West, to announce a repayable contribution of $500,000 to Tripoli Holdings Limited (Mezza Lebanese Kitchen). The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

The contribution supports the acquisition of new semi-automated food production equipement, helping the longstanding family business establish a 15,000 square foot processing facility in Dartmouth. Following rapid growth in recent years, the company’s previous facility reached full capacity. The new space will process food for its restaurants across the maritimes, and for 20 new planned locations, major wholesalers and institutions like hospitals and universities. By boosting productivity five-fold, reducing waste and diversifying the company’s offerings, the project will help Mezza Lebanese Kitchen continue to grow in the food and beverage space.

Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to helping job creators future-proof their businesses, build resiliency, and prepare for growth. 

Quotes

“Family businesses like Mezza Lebanese Kitchen are at the heart of communities in the HRM. Your federal government is focused on helping our homegrown businesses expand, reach new customers, and create new jobs in their communities.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“I’m pleased that Mezza Lebanese Kitchen is putting down new roots here in Dartmouth to roll out plans for growth—and they’re not stopping here. If the past 34 years have been any indication, we can expect to see Mezza serve up fresh thinking, business innovation, and continued strides forward in the years ahead. We can’t wait to see what they do next.”
- Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour

“Mezza Lebanese Kitchen has transformed family recipes and traditions into a success story that makes our community proud. They embody the spirit of fearless innovation that helps businesses weather challenges and accelerate growth. We’re pleased to support Mezza as they make big moves to accelerate further, launching the family business into new corners of the food and beverage industry.”
- The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West

“Our new 15,000 square foot facility is a heartfelt testament to our dedication to Atlantic Canada. For 35 years, this community has embraced our family-owned business, and we are deeply committed to giving back by creating jobs and fostering growth. This partnership with ACOA is not just about business; it's about community and shared dreams. Thank you for believing in our vision and supporting us through this journey."
– Peter Nahas, Co-Founder/Chief Concept Officer, Mezza Lebanese Kitchen

Quick facts

  • The roots of Mezza Lebanese Kitchen began in 1990, when Tony and Peter’s parents emigrated from Lebanon to open their first restaurant in the Halifax Shopping Centre food court. In 2025, Mezza Lebanese Kitchen will celebrate 35 years in business.

  • The company has grown into eight restaurants and 12 franchises across the maritimes.

  • The new facility is designed to be one of the largest federally licensed chicken processing facilities in Atlantic Canada.

  • The facility will include a modern raw food processing area for vegetables, specialty sauces, and wholesale goods like hummus. The company also plans to market a chicken processing byproduct to pet food companies.

  • The funding announced today is provided through the ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, which helps businesses accelerate their growth so they can be more productive, compete on the world stage and reach new markets.

Contacts

Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca  
782-641-6365

Peter Nahas
Co-Founder/Chief Concept Officer
Mezza Lebanese Kitchen
peter.nahas@mezzarestaurant.com


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