Elie Ghrayeb’s journey into the world of food and hospitality began with a spark of curiosity in a bustling restaurant kitchen. Starting as an apprentice, he quickly discovered his love for cooking, where creativity, precision, and discipline came together in the heat of the moment.
In those early days, Elie worked under seasoned chefs who not only refined his technical skills but also taught him the importance of patience, teamwork, and resilience. Over nearly seven years, he grew from a passionate cook into a confident leader, someone who understood both the artistry of cuisine and the business side of hospitality.
It was during this time that Elie realized he was not just meant to cook meals. He wanted to lead, innovate, and create experiences. This mindset became the foundation of his inspiring career.
A Rising Star: From Chef to General Manager
By the age of 26, Elie had made the leap from being a chef in the kitchen to managing entire operations. His first big leadership role was as General Manager at Trabya Group, where he oversaw brands like Trabya Lounge, Graffiti Burger, and Kyan coffee.
The transition was not easy. Managing teams, handling finances, building strategies, and ensuring customer satisfaction were all new challenges. But Elie embraced the pressure, relying on his adaptability and vision to guide him.
In just a short time, the group expanded from operating one brand to three brands with four outlets under his leadership. This rapid growth was proof of his ability to merge creativity with business insight.
High Stakes, High Pressure: Leading Young
Running a company at such a young age came with heavy responsibilities. Elie had to prove himself to both senior management and team members who were often older and more experienced. He faced doubts, criticism, and high expectations.
Instead of giving in to the pressure, Elie used it as motivation. His calm approach to challenges, ability to stay composed under stress, and talent for building trust made him stand out. His leadership style was not about commanding, it was about guiding, listening, and helping others grow alongside him.
Expanding Horizons: Building a Strategic Vision
Elie’s ambitions soon stretched beyond Beirut. With a sharp eye for opportunity, he began planning new concepts to introduce across the Gulf region. His projects included a brunch café, a Lebanese food concept, and the regional expansion of Graffiti Burgers.
One of his boldest moves was preparing to launch a Trabya franchise in Saudi Arabia while also building an F and B consultancy to help others develop strong hospitality brands in the Middle East.
This expansion mindset reflected his entrepreneurial spirit. He was no longer just managing businesses, he was creating them.
Blending Expertise: The Corporate Chef Role
At just 28, Elie reached another milestone when he became Corporate Chef for UNOX Arabia, the Middle East and Africa branch of a leading Italian oven manufacturer. This role was unique because it allowed him to combine two strengths, his culinary knowledge and his leadership skills.
As Corporate Chef, Elie did not just cook, he inspired. He led cooking demonstrations across different countries, showcasing new technology, educating chefs, and introducing innovations that could transform kitchen operations.
It was in this role that Elie also learned one of his most important professional lessons, preparation is everything. In the past, he had sometimes rushed into projects without enough planning. Now, he emphasizes patience, organization, and careful execution as the keys to lasting success.
A Recipe for Success: Salt, Fat, and Acid
When asked about the secrets of great food, Elie always points to three elements, salt, fat, and acid. Salt enhances flavor, fat adds richness, and acid balances everything with freshness. Together, they create harmony in any dish.
This philosophy reflects Elie’s own life. Balance, precision, and attention to detail have been at the core of his journey.
Culinary Passions and Personal Favorites
Among all cuisines, French food holds a special place in Elie’s heart. He loves its elegance, discipline, and flavor balance. His favorite dish to prepare is the classic steak tartare, which requires precision and care.
At home, however, his go-to comfort meal is a perfectly seared ribeye steak, often paired with garlic mashed potatoes or seasonal vegetables. Simple, hearty, and satisfying, it reflects his love for high quality ingredients cooked with passion.
Elie also admits that one of the toughest challenges for any chef is cooking food from a culture they did not grow up in. To him, authenticity is not just about flavor, it is about understanding the traditions and stories behind each dish.
Leadership Style: Calm, Supportive, and Open
One of the qualities that make Elie stand out is his leadership style. He describes himself as calm and supportive, always aiming to create a positive work environment where people feel comfortable to share ideas.
For him, leadership is not about being strict or demanding, it is about building trust, encouraging growth, and leading by example. Mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn, not reasons to punish. This philosophy has earned him respect among his colleagues and teams.
Driving Growth in the Industry
In his latest move, Elie Ghrayeb has been appointed as Business Development Manager for Hobart Middle East, where he is spearheading the expansion of their cooking solutions and strengthening the brand’s presence across the region.
This dual role, chef and business strategist, sets him apart. He is not just working inside the kitchen, he is also shaping how kitchens of the future will operate. His involvement in hospitality exhibitions and industry events highlights his growing influence across the Middle East.
Why His Story Inspires
- Authentic Growth: From kitchen apprentice to entrepreneur, Elie’s story shows how passion and discipline create opportunities.
- Relatable Struggles: His challenges, like facing doubts and early mistakes, make him relatable and human.
- Industry Impact: He is influencing both the culinary world and the business side of hospitality.
- Leadership with Heart: His supportive approach makes him a role model for young leaders everywhere.
Final Thoughts
Elie Ghrayeb’s journey is a powerful example of how passion and persistence can change lives. From his first days in the kitchen to leading brands, launching businesses, and inspiring others in Dubai, his story is one of growth and resilience.
What makes his success even more inspiring is the balance he brings, between being a chef and a businessman, a leader and a learner, a dreamer and a doer.
Through his achievements, Elie shows that no matter where you start, with focus and vision, you can create a life that inspires others.
Do follow him on Instagram
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