Good Thing, a new bar in Beirut’s vibrant Gemmayzeh neighborhood, is breathing life into the area with its modern yet inviting atmosphere. First launched on Sept. 23, the bar faced a temporary closure due to the escalating conflict but reopened on Nov. 21, just days before a cease-fire took effect on Nov. 27.  With a capacity of 40, including 10 seats on the terrace, Good Thing combines warm hospitality with an emphasis on shared experiences. Its elegant setting complements an international culinary menu designed to appeal to Beirut’s discerning patrons. The bar is the latest venture of Omar Jheir, a familiar name in the Gemmayzeh scene, who also owns the popular spots Mondays Off and Sip.  Good Thing represents a pivotal moment for Jheir, who invested $100,000 to transform the space previously occupied by Peck, a restaurant he opened after the Beirut port explosion in 2020. Recognizing shifting market dynamics, he chose to close Peck and launch Good Thing to better align with current trends.  During such challenging times, Jheir decided to reinvest in this space by tailoring it to new market expectations.  While people don’t go out anymore for full dinners, he composed his menu of small bites and drinks, featuring international tapas-style dishes and creative cocktails. The average bill amounts $40.  In terms of pricing,  Jheir  chose to remain fair and realistic, as adapting to Lebanon’s volatile economic climate. Jheir’s path to the hospitality industry was far from conventional. Born in Lebanon and raised in Australia, he first discovered his passion for food and beverage while working in restaurants as a student at the University of Sydney. After graduating in 2000, he spent 15 years in Saudi Arabia working in his family’s oil and gas business while also running his own branding and advertising company, Oxygen.  Despite his corporate ventures, his interest in hospitality persisted. In 2016, he returned to Lebanon and launched his first venture, Sip, a terrace cafe located just steps from Good Thing.   Regardless of all the hurdles, Jheir’s dream of returning to his country of origin remained stable. At first, his timing seemed ideal with a booming tourism industry and a vibrant energy surrounding Beirut. Finally, even after the past challenging few years of coping with the Beirut explosion, Covid and the recent conflict, Jheir remains driven and optimistic.       (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: L'Orient Today