Lebanese Taverna Restaurant Group: A Family Legacy of Tradition, Community, and Authentic Lebanese Cuisine

From War-Torn Beirut to American Dream, the Abi-Najm Family Built a Beloved Regional Restaurant Institution

Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:07pm

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In 1976, the Abi-Najm family fled Lebanon's civil war and arrived in Arlington, Virginia with just $600 and a dream of opening a restaurant. Over the next 46 years, they built Lebanese Taverna into a beloved regional institution with over a dozen locations across Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Northern Virginia. The family-run business remains committed to authentic Lebanese cuisine, genuine hospitality, and giving back to the community that supported them.

Why it matters

Lebanese Taverna's story represents the quintessential American immigrant dream, showcasing how refugees can overcome adversity, build successful businesses, and become pillars of their local communities. The restaurant group's enduring legacy and commitment to its roots inspire others and highlight the valuable contributions immigrants make to the fabric of American society.

The details

After arriving in the U.S. in 1976 with just $600, the Abi-Najm family immediately went to work, with the children becoming bussers on their second night. Every dollar earned went toward their shared dream of opening a restaurant. In 1979, they purchased Athenian Taverna in Arlington and created the 'Lebanese Taverna' name. Over the decades, the business expanded to over a dozen locations, while maintaining its authentic character and family values. The breakthrough came when a Washington Post writer discovered the restaurant, and the community embraced them wholeheartedly. In recent years, the group has adapted by launching fast-casual 'LebTav' cafés to align with changing dining trends.

  • In the summer of 1976, the Abi-Najm family fled Lebanon's civil war and arrived in Arlington, Virginia.
  • In 1979, the family purchased Athenian Taverna in Arlington and created the 'Lebanese Taverna' name.
  • In 1995, the family formed a partnership with Henrik Suhr and opened eight additional locations.

The players

Tanios and Marie Abi-Najm

The parents who fled Lebanon's civil war in 1976 with their five young children and started the Lebanese Taverna restaurant business.

Dory, Dany, David, Gladys, and Grace Abi-Najm

The five Abi-Najm siblings who now actively manage the Lebanese Taverna restaurant group.

Henrik Suhr

A Cornell School of Hospitality graduate who became Dany's business partner and helped the family expand the restaurant group.

José Andrés

The renowned chef who worked with the Abi-Najms to develop recipes for his restaurant Zaytinya.

Homayon Karimy

A former Afghan employee who worked at Lebanese Taverna for 12 years starting at age 16 and helped translate signage for Afghan refugees.

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What they’re saying

“Each night my children still greet old friends and welcome new ones into the restaurants where they grew up. Lebanese Taverna has come to symbolize the realization of dreams, where good food is enjoyed in good company.”

— Tanios Abi-Najm, Patriarch

“The people who became our customers helped us. They helped me with my homework at night in the restaurant because no one else could.”

— Grace Abi-Najm Shea, Sibling

“The hummus was called 'Lebanese Taverna style' on the menu. That puffy bread? Does that look familiar?”

— Grace Abi-Najm Shea, Sibling

What’s next

The Abi-Najm family plans to continue expanding the Lebanese Taverna brand, both through full-service restaurants and the growing fast-casual 'LebTav' concept, while maintaining their commitment to authentic cuisine and community engagement.

The takeaway

Lebanese Taverna's inspiring story demonstrates how immigrant families can turn adversity into opportunity, build successful businesses, and become pillars of their local communities. The restaurant group's enduring legacy and unwavering dedication to tradition, hospitality, and giving back serve as a model for other entrepreneurs pursuing the American dream.