Our project partners are collecting video interviews of success stories told by immigrant entrepreneurs to encourage the learners in entrepreneurship training.
Let us bring you Ibrahim's story! Ibrahim, Owner of Tabulè, Lebanese entrepreneur in Verona, Italy
Ibrahim's journey to becoming a restaurateur was unexpected. Originally from southern Lebanon, he moved to Beirut with his family in 1972. Unfortunately, the outbreak of the civil war in 1975 greatly impacted his life for the next decade. In 1984, with the support of his family, Ibrahim made the brave decision to continue his studies in Italy.
In 1986, Ibrahim faced financial difficulties along with other Lebanese students abroad due to the devaluation of the Lebanese Lira. However, with the help of kind-hearted individuals who responded to a religious broadcaster's appeal, he was able to pursue his education.
In 1989, Ibrahim took advantage of the Martelli law, converting his study residence permit into a work permit. This allowed him to work as an IT technician even before completing his studies. The law also enabled him to bring his brother to Italy, providing him a safe haven during the turbulent times of the civil war.
Ibrahim's dedication to work and supporting his family led him to focus primarily on his career as a programmer. In 2000 and 2002, he joyfully welcomed two children into his life through his marriage to an Italian woman.
The 2006 war between Israel and Lebanon brought about a new opportunity for Ibrahim. His sisters expressed their desire to leave Lebanon, and he saw the potential in their culinary skills. To assist them in their transition to Italy, Ibrahim opened a Lebanese take-away shop, serving as a bridge between their expertise and the local community. This marked the beginning of his journey as a restaurateur.
With the help of partners, Ibrahim transformed the take-away shop into a full-fledged restaurant in 2014. However, due to the challenges posed by the pandemic, he had to make the difficult decision to sell the second location he had opened in 2018. Despite this setback, Ibrahim remains dedicated to his original restaurant, infusing it with his culture and experiences.
At Tabulè, Ibrahim goes beyond serving delicious food; he shares a piece of Lebanese culture with every customer. Each spice blend tells a story, often revealing hidden aspects that even Ibrahim himself was unaware of. The curiosity and requests for explanations from his customers have inspired him to dive deeper into the world of Lebanese spices and dishes, constantly seeking new information to enrich the dining experience.
So, if you're craving authentic Lebanese cuisine and a taste of Ibrahim's rich cultural heritage, be sure to visit Tabulè in Verona.
View Ibrahim's interview here: https://www.eneuerasmus.com/success-story-video-6
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