Today we’d like to introduce you to Feras Sankar.
Hi Feras, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
On March 4th, 2014, after years of war back home working as a physician, I had to leave Syria. Closing that chapter of my life was one of the hardest things I ever did. I still remember the moment I crossed the border—turning my head back and saying, “Goodbye Syria, we won’t see each other again.” I carried with me my past life, my memories, and my culture. At that moment, I knew my new home would be America—the generous, mysterious country, the land of opportunity, the land of the American Dream. And I had to find my own dream.
Just a few days after arriving in Miami, my brother and I were sitting in a bar in Pembroke Pines, talking about the future and how to achieve that dream. He suggested the idea of opening a hookah lounge. I loved it immediately—it was the perfect way to bring my history, my memories, and my culture into a new life, but with an American style. That’s how the concept of Hookita was born: one word with a Latin touch, and a motto—Long Story Short—to bring a long tradition into a rich experience of just a few hours.
The very next day we started searching for a location. We found a lovely spot on 8th Street and signed the lease on the 23rd of the same month. I thought everything would go smoothly, but I was wrong. I knew nothing about permits, paperwork, contractors, or architects, and I was deceived many times. I paid rent long before I was able to open Hookita. At moments, I felt my dream slipping away. But no—I refused to give up. I had to learn everything and do it myself, motivated only by the one capital I truly had: my American Dream.
After two long years—a very long pregnancy—Hookita was finally born on August 23rd, 2016.
Again, I thought things would be smooth and easy, but they weren’t. Opening a business is hard but believe me—it’s the easiest part. Maintaining the business, improving it, and keeping the “OPEN” sign lit that’s the real challenge. Especially for me, because Hookita was surrounded by competitors.
I knew Hookita needed a unique personality to survive. I wanted it to be different from every other hookah lounge. My vision was clear: I wanted Hookita to be a home for everyone—a home away from home. I wanted every customer who walked in to feel like part of a family. And that family kept growing and growing.
Just as things started running smoothly, the world was hit by COVID. Shutdowns, uncertainty—I feared again that my dream might disappear. But I remembered everything I had endured, both in Syria and in America, and everything it took to open Hookita in the first place. I said to myself: God willing, I will make it happen. And with that same dream driving me, I resisted and stood strong. Thank God, my dream survived.
As they say, hard work eventually bears fruit. Hookita was rewarded three years in a row—2022, 2023, and 2024—as Best Hookah Bar in Miami. And today, Hookita is home to a very big family.
In the end, the only thing I can say is: thank you to everyone in the Hookita family who believed in this idea and stood by our side through thick and thin. Hookita would not have kept its doors open without their support, loyalty, and love.
I am so proud of them, so proud of Hookita, and above all, so proud of this country. May God bless America.
That was my Long Story Short…
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
“It definitely wasn’t a smooth road. Like any business, Hookita went through its share of struggles. There were financial hurdles in the beginning, times when we questioned whether we could keep the doors open, and the constant challenge of building something unique in a competitive market.
But every obstacle taught us something valuable. The struggles pushed us to adapt, to become more creative,
In the end, those tough moments are what gave Hookita its strength and character—they made us who we are today.”
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Hookita is a lounge that specializes in creating a premium hookah experience with in-house crafted shisha mixes, signature cocktails, and a selection of Mediterranean-inspired snacks.
What sets us apart are our unique flavors, cozy atmosphere, and an attentive team that makes every visit memorable.
I’m most proud that our brand represents a place where people can relax, feel at home, and enjoy our handcrafted hookah and great drinks — just like among family.
What does success mean to you?
Success for me is seeing our guests enjoy themselves, return again and again, and feel at home.
It’s all about creating this amazing melody with them, because being together with them is the most fulfilling part of our story.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hookita.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hookitalounge/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Hookita-Lounge-100063697114300/
Image Credits
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