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Our Story
It is said that America is a land where dreams can be transformed
into reality. My family, the Abi-Najm’s, found this to be true. We
left Lebanon on a cargo ship to escape the civil war, taking what
we could carry.
Arriving in Virginia in 1976, with hopes and
dreams of our own, my wife Marie and I, along with our sons
Dory, Dany & David and our daughters Gladys & Grace purchased a small pizza & sub shop in Arlington named Athenian Taverna. We had so little money that we changed only half of the original sign, thus Lebanese Taverna was born.
Customers began returning on a regular basis; not just for something to eat but to sit and talk with the family. Over time,the popularity of the Lebanese cuisine overtook the previous menu. For our family, this brought our home, Lebanon, closer to us and in turn, the customers felt our joy. In 1990, we gathered the courage to open another location in Washington, DC. The new Woodley Park restaurant quickly but quietly won the hearts of Washingtonians.
The Lebanese Taverna Market was next and offers the community a chance to experience Lebanese cooking in a different manner. We began to carry specialty groceries and to offer numerous Lebanese dishes through the deli. The market also gave us the chance to expand into catering and to offer cooking classes to the adventuresome.
In 1999, we opened the Lebanese Taverna Café in Rockville. This concept of fresh food,quick service with upscale touches was so welcomed that we have opened two additional locations in Annapolis and Silver Spring.
In 2001, another full scale restaurant opened its doors at Pentagon Row in Arlington. Tyson's Galleria followed early in 2005 with 320 seats , 90 of which are outside. Charmed with the Harbor East development in Baltimore, we opened our 5th, full-service restaurant in 2007. In the late spring, another café opened in the Rockville Town Square and an additional full service restaurant at Bethesda Row, opened the fall of 2008.
My family and I have come a long way since opening the original Lebanese Taverna in 1979. We look at the hard work that has brought the business into its present existence and know that it was worth every effort. Each night my children are still greeting old friends and welcoming new ones into the restaurants where they grew up and shared their lives.
Lebanese Taverna has come to symbolize the realization of dreams and the rewards of dedication for us. Good food is enjoyed in good company.
What I wish to say to you is; thank you and welcome to my home.
TANIOS ABI-NAJM |
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