In this episode of Noqadem Lakom, Wesam Masoud talks with Mamdouh Khaled, Founder of Labash, Pasta 2 Go, and Bouza Roll, about turning ideas and trends into successful food business concepts.

They discuss when a restaurant should be built around the product versus the customer experience, and how that choice shapes brand identity, concept design, and long-term growth. 

The conversation also covers the right timing for expansion, how to navigate early-stage challenges and market feedback, and the core values that define successful restaurant management.

In this episode of Noqadem Lakom, Wesam Masoud talks with Omar Maher, CEO & Co-founder of Monta AI, about how artificial intelligence is shaping our daily lives and the way we work.

They explore how companies are adopting AI, the right steps to prepare teams and systems, and the growing role of AI agents and how they could eventually be trusted to manage entire organizations. Omar also explains how AI agents are designed and developed, the importance of teaching children how to use AI responsibly, and the growing need for data awareness and protection.

The conversation highlights key projects that shaped Omar’s professional journey, his personal advice for using AI responsibly, and the biggest concerns surrounding the future relationship between humans and advanced technology.

In this episode of Noqadem Lakom, Wesam Masoud talks with Tamer El-Leithy, Founder of Hara Hachi Bu, about what it really takes to launch and grow a restaurant.

From building the right team and handling customer feedback, to shaping a brand and choosing the best marketing channels, Tamer shares hard-earned lessons from his journey. He also dives into his passion for sushi, his take on fine dining in the local market, and which restaurant concepts he believes are set to thrive in the coming years.

In this episode of Noqadem Lakom, Wesam Masoud is joined by Abbas Fahmy, Food Critic, TV Presenter & Actor, and Mahmoud El Adany, Founding Partner of Caizo & Food Blogger, for an open conversation about the evolving role of food content on social media.

They discuss how food bloggers can deliver value without losing credibility, the balance between entertainment & education in food-related content, and take us behind the scenes of restaurant operations—from R&D and kitchen design to pricing, marketing, and decision-making that drives success.

This conversation sheds light on the close relationship between marketing & restaurants, and the decisions that can make or break a restaurant’s success in the market.

In this episode of Noqadem Lakom, Wesam Masoud welcomes Moustafa Elrefaey, Executive Chef & Co-Founder of Zooba Restaurants, for a deep dive into effective strategies for leading and developing restaurant teams.

They discuss how to maintain consistent quality across multiple branches, build real employee loyalty, and reflect on Zooba’s recent local and international growth. Moustafa also shares personal insights into his journey, including the influence of his family and how those experiences shaped his leadership and mindset.

In this episode of Noqadem Lakom, Wesam Masoud talks with Mohamed Salah, Chef Consultant and Founder of Chef’s ArtLab, about the untold truths behind meat cuts and common misconceptions around cooking and flavor.

They also dive into what it really takes to build a restaurant business, from brand identity and menu design to pricing strategies. Mohamed Salah shares his insights on dealing with difficult customers, his take on the phrase “The customer is always right” and how he manages his restaurant team.

In this episode of Noqadem Lakom, Wesam Masoud talks with Rania Ayman, Founder & CEO of Entreprenelle, about how to turn a business idea into an actionable plan.

They break down the right mindset needed for each step, and clarify the differences between the roles of founder, manager, leader, and investor—exploring how each one shapes the direction of the business and team dynamics.

The conversation also dives into the nature of partnerships in business, the factors that make them succeed or fail, and the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make early on. This episode is all about building a startup on solid ground—not just passion or ideas—so it can grow without falling into the same traps over and over.

In the first episode of Noqadem Lakom, Wesam Masoud hosts an inspiring conversation with Hossam Fahmy, Founder & Executive Chairman of Mori International, and Medhat Yassin, Executive Vice Chairman. Together, they share the story of a long-standing partnership that turned challenges into opportunities and built a standout business in the restaurant world.

They reflect on the highs and lows of building restaurant brands, unexpected wins, tough setbacks, and what truly drives success or failure in the hospitality industry.