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Mohamad Fakih, President and CEO of Paramount Fine Foods

In 2007, Mohamad Fakih purchased a nearly bankrupt restaurant and transformed it into what later became the fastest growing Middle Eastern Halal restaurant chain in Canada – Paramount Fine Foods.

Mohamad transformed a bankrupt restaurant into the flagship Paramount location, earning $3M in sales in the first year.

A community leader, Mohamad regularily participates in fundraisers and community events supporting causes and organizations including the Canadian Cancer Society and the Make a Wish Foundation. He is also an outspoken citizen, having expressed his opinion in debates, interviews and articles across major Canadian media.

Mohamad is committed to revamping the traditonal image of the Middle Eastern restaurant industry by changing the way the cuisine is viewed and enjoyed. He believes that his hands-on approach to all aspects of his business ensures the Paramount model will sustain growth and provide jobs for Canadians.

Currently employing over 800 people, the Paramount brand includes 15 restaurant locations across southern Ontario including the first halal restaurant in the Toronto International Airport (terminal 1 and 3), a gourmet butcher shop, a food factory, YALLA food truck and new Fresh East Middle Eastern sandwich franchise.

The Paramount brand will expand to over 30 locations in 2015, including restaurants in Alberta,  and internationally to USA and Middle East. Mohamad was named one of four finalists for the prestigious Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in 2013, in the food and beverage category.

Awards: Best Middle Eastern Restaurant in Ontario • finalist for RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Awards of 2015 • Toronto Life Magazine Regional Finalist 2013 • Canada’s Best Managed Companies Top Choice Award, Top Meat Shop • Top Choice Media Top Butcher Shop in Mississauga • Insauga.com Best Middle Eastern Restaurant in Mississauga • Insauga.com Entrepreneur of the Year Food and Beverage Finalist2013 • Ernst and Young Readers Choice Gold Award • The Hamilton Spectator Community Best Award • International Association of Educators for World Peace    Reader Choice Awards (Hamilton Spectator)