Owner, Wissam Chatila, opened Manakesh in 2011, because he missed eating the fresh baked flatbreads back in his home country, and to serve as a place which allows for the local community to experience Lebanese culture and food. Year after year Manakeesh has expanded its operation to include more Lebanese classics. Namely the wood charcoal grill, after his son, Adam, the current manager, traveled to Lebanon and learned from grill masters, classic techniques and recipes, most notably the chicken Tawook kabob, now the best seller at Manakeesh.