Thuraya Taleb isn’t just an F&B marketing maven – she’s a force of nature who built her consultancy empire from a single suitcase and a dream. As the Lebanese entrepreneur behind Restaurateurs and the rapidly growing Marketing Talks community, she’s redefining what it means to be a woman in the food industry across the Middle East and Asia.

Can you share a little bit about what it is that you do and what a typical day for you is like?
I wear multiple hats with passion. As founder of Restaurateurs, I specialize in concept development and marketing strategy for food & beverage establishments – from trendy cafés to high-end lounges. But my world extends beyond F&B; I also spearhead Marketing Talks, both as a thriving professional community and as a podcast where I interview the Arab world’s top marketing minds to explore cutting-edge industry trends.

Did you always know that working in the industry you represent was what you wanted to do? How did you decide on it?
My career began in advertising, but everything changed when I pursued my MBA in Marketing. That led me to an exciting role managing 11 F&B brands simultaneously – where I discovered my true passion for the industry. This love affair with food and marketing took me to China, where I launched my own F&B consultancy business. Just as it was gaining momentum, COVID struck. What began as a temporary ‘escape’ from China turned into a permanent relocation when borders closed.

What first got you interested in the industry you work in?
Food has always been my first love. Long before influencer culture took over, I was the go-to person in Saudi Arabia’s dining scene—constantly invited to restaurant openings and tastings. As a Lebanese expat raised abroad, my palate was shaped by diverse flavors, and my passion for food naturally led me to F&B marketing. When the opportunity arose, I didn’t think twice about leaving advertising behind—I leaped straight into the industry that truly excited me.

What obstacles did you have to overcome?
Every country presented its own unique challenges. In China, I faced cultural barriers and language gaps—while I could speak and read Mandarin, complex business negotiations were beyond my fluency. As the only Arab female entrepreneur in my city (and the sole F&B specialist), my first year was spent educating potential clients about my work. I arrived with nothing but a suitcase and a one-way ticket: no connections, no clients, no safety net.

When I relocated to the UAE, the obstacles shifted. I landed during COVID lockdowns—networking was impossible, my reputation hadn’t yet been established, and I had no clients or financial backing. I didn’t even know if I’d be able to stay in the country. But persistence paid off: my first major client was Albaik, a turning point for Restaurateurs.

Marketing Talks, however, began unexpectedly. After noticing how often peers reached out to me for marketing advice, I created a simple discussion group. Within months, it grew organically to full capacity—proof that when you fill a genuine need, the community will build itself.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the industry you represent?
Embrace fearlessness. Expect resistance – not just from men, but surprisingly often from other women too. The key? Dare to be different. Own your uniqueness unapologetically. Let your light shine without hesitation or self-doubt.

What I wish I’d known earlier? This industry can be fiercely competitive. Not everyone will celebrate your success; many will battle for your market share. But here’s the truth: when you stay authentically yourself and operate with integrity, you create a success that can’t be replicated. Authenticity isn’t just rewarding – it’s your ultimate competitive advantage.

What do you do to unwind after work?
Fitness is my daily reset — I train CrossFit 4-5 days a week after work, often layering in weightlifting, gymnastics, or boxing for extra intensity. But balance is key: I’m just as passionate about discovering new restaurants and cuisines. When I’m not lifting or indulging, you’ll find me unwinding with friends over a game of Tawla, or diving into podcast edits — because even ‘downtime’ fuels the hustle.