We spoke with Mohamad Fakih, the CEO and founder of Paramount Fine Foods about the impacts of COVID-19 on the local community both socially and economically.
When the province moved into lockdown, Fakih said that his business lost 85% of their normal sales, and impacts were felt across the supply chain. He was disheartened when the possibility arose of laying off employees to cover costs, believing that “people come first, before profit.”
This sparked Fakih to launch the Brampton Cloud Kitchen, a touchless service that operates from Paramount’s commissary kitchen. Using a virtual ordering system, Bramptonians can enjoy Lebanese cuisine through takeout or delivery. The Cloud Kitchen offers items from Paramount’s “Dare to Care” menu, a value menu that has popular items at a discounted price.
Fakih, the 2017 Brampton Board of Trade’s Business Person of the Year, believes that the pandemic has forced businesses to “act different, think different, and do things [differently].” He announced that Paramount restaurants and butcher shops will be opening in partnership with supermarkets.
Taking pride in his community work, Fakih emphasizes the importance of kindness and generosity as the community recovers from the pandemic. As a strong business leader in local food banks, he hopes to see a continued focus on supporting these vital resources.
Check out the full interview below:
