Makarem Group

This reputable holding company in Beirut, Lebanon, approached us as part of its expansion plan. They had launched Cle Restaurant-Bar and were planning to launch four other outlets in one year, for which we established a bar training program and attractive cocktail menus that placed Cle as a leading cocktail destination in Beirut and the Region in less than a year gaining a solid reputation as the market looked forward for us launching the following concepts:

• Upscaled Cle: an international Restaurant-Bar famous for its outdoor area/garden;
• Bistro bar: a high-end Gastro-Bar;
• Xiao Ciao: a Cantonese-inspired Cocktail Bar;
• The Hub: an industrial club known for hosting international DJs and massive parties.

The Bar Program was a chronologically tailored curriculum of theoretical and practical training. It starts with basic knowledge and skill requirements, expanding into advanced molecular gastronomy and Bartending craftsmanship.

As a result, the program created a new wave of disciplined Bartenders and efficient communicators who became highly knowledgeable in every aspect of their trade.

The Bar program led three venues to compete in international competitions on the local scene, such as Bacardi Legacy and Diageo World Class, and eventually – proudly – representing the Lebanese market on many occasions abroad.

Scope of work:

• Pre-opening Consultancy
• Assistance in concept development and branding
• Beverage Menu creation & development
• Managing the bar operations in all of their outlets
• Training and development of the FOH staff