Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronnie Khalil.
Hi Ronnie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Having earned my BBA and MBA at the University of Miami, I started off in advertising, then transitioned to stand-up comedy, performing internationally then moving into film/television in New York, Los Angles and Egypt. I also earned my MFA in film, and taught at both the University of Miami and Lynn University.
After COVID, and the shutdown in LA, I mostly left the entertainment industry (though I am currently producing two feature films) and returned to my roots in marketing/advertising at The Weinbach Group in South Miami, mostly dealing with healthcare clients and the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs.
When AI became more mainstream, I decided to delve deeper into it, and pivot to two new ventures: 1) an ancient Egyptian-inspired rum company called Karnak “Pharoah’s Reserve” Rum, and 2) a hospitality company that is taking a majority stake in an amazing Lebanese restaurant in Wynwood, by the name of Lira Beirut Eatery, and expanding the brand.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life has taken me in directions I never imagined, but I feel that I’ve always been open to opportunities that I never considered. I didn’t think my life would lead to me pursuing stand-up comedy, filming tv specials, making movies and writing my first fantasy novel (“Color Wars,” on Amazon, for you readers out there). I always had a passion for these subjects but the goal was always to follow the corporate path as it was always the one that made the most sense.
All my ventures haven’t been successful, many took years and years of work to pay off (stand-up comedy) and many took years and years of work to mildly pay off (joy of writing a novel, disappointment of it not being anywhere near a best or mediocre seller).
But I’ve always grown with each new project, having to research, understand, make mistakes, and overcome those mistakes. I think my greatest asset is I’m not scared to try something I have no idea about, as I’ve developed the skills to learn how to ask the right questions, find the right answers, and continue fighting despite not knowing what the heck I’m doing sometimes.
As you know, we’re big fans of Lira House (aka Lira Beirut Eatery). For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
This is my latest venture, buying a majority stake in an amazing Lebanese restaurant in Wynwood (4.9 stars on Google). This is truly the epitome of ‘take what the universe brings you.” My fellow Egyptian, Ahmed Roushdy, a friend and son of one of my dad’s great friends for decades, managed Lira Wynwood and we have a great experience there.
He discussed an opportunity to purchase a majority share but didn’t think it was feasible at the time. So me and my family stepped in to partner with him and buy it. We saw how passionate he was about it, how the customers raved about the food and environment, and we figured with his management expertise, and my marketing background, we could take the restaurant to the next level.
We also currently in talks with another restaurant space to expand the “Lira House” brand to another location in Miami, and explore a delivery service that offers Lebanese style sandwiches, bowls, dips and “street food” — targeting a slightly younger demographic.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Without a doubt my family deserves the most credit, my mom and dad, and my brother. They have been as supportive as Arab parents and family can be with a son who decides to leave a great, steady job to pursue seemingly insane ventures. All my friends as well, who talk me up when I’m doing well, and talk me down from the ledge, when things are tough.
I’ve experienced highs, from traveling the world and performing in front of thousands of fans, to lows of having to shift careers, trying to unwrap my identity from my job or rediscover myself and my passions.
It’s important to have people who tell you how it is, and can balance remaining supportive while also giving you a strong dose of truth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.liramiami.com
- Instagram: liramiami
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronnie-khalil-84626a14/
- Other: https://www.karnakspirits.com
