Brand Story:
At the heart of On The Wood lies a vision born long before our doors first opened. As early as 2005, three years prior to launching the brand, the Saqr brothers embarked on a mission to redefine the culinary experience by blending innovation with tradition. Their goal was simple yet ambitious: to create a unique concept that seamlessly fuses Lebanese warmth with Italian craftsmanship.
Driven by a relentless passion for quality, the brothers conducted extensive research and testing, exploring cutting-edge culinary technologies that could bring their vision to life. Their pursuit led them to Wood Stone, an American oven maker known for its revolutionary homogeneous cast ceramic cooking surface. This technology not only minimized heat loss but also ensured a constant and uninterrupted heat transfer — a critical factor in delivering consistently high-quality food.
Armed with a clear vision and proven technology, the Saqr brothers opened the first On The Wood branch in the UAE in 2008. What started as a pioneering concept quickly grew into a beloved brand. Through dedication, consistency, and a commitment to excellence, On The Wood has since expanded to 12 branches across the UAE and 3 in Oman, with plans underway to grow across the GCC, MENA, United States, and Europe.
Today, On The Wood stands as a testament to innovation rooted in tradition — where every dish tells a story, and every visit feels like home.
Beyond their professional pursuits, the Saqr brothers’ cultural heritage has been a guiding force in shaping On The Wood. Hailing from the historic Bekaa Valley — a region rich in Roman legacy and culinary traditions — the brothers were immersed in the values of wholesome food and quality ingredients from a young age. In their hometown, they grew up appreciating the golden richness of locally pressed olive oil, the texture of hand-kneaded dough, and the flavor of fresh fruits and vegetables harvested straight from the land.
These early experiences instilled in them a deep respect for food made with care, a belief they carry into every aspect of On The Wood. As they often say, “Good food comes from the heart.” That ethos lives on in the brand’s unwavering commitment to freshness and quality.
Just like the handcrafted recipes that emerge from their ovens each day, the growth of On The Wood has been intentional, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in authenticity. You’ll never find mass-produced or pre-packaged items on their shelves — only fresh, healthy ingredients and dishes prepared with love and precision.
This dedication has not gone unnoticed. On The Wood has been celebrated by Time Out magazine, earning accolades such as “Best Kunafa Manousheh” and “Best Dish.” These honors reflect the brand’s unique ability to deliver both innovation and tradition in every bite.
Now, On The Wood is preparing for its next chapter. With a proven track record and a loyal following, the brand is actively seeking strategic, like-minded investors and franchise partners who share its vision for global growth — and its unwavering dedication to culinary excellence, authenticity, and innovation.
Our Vision:
To become the leading Lebanese international restaurant chain in the GCC and beyond, renowned for our authentic fusion of flavors, exceptional dining experiences, and unwavering commitment to cultural diversity. At On The Wood, we strive to bring the very best of Lebanese and international cuisine to the heart of every community we serve — creating spaces where tradition meets innovation, and every meal is a celebration of heritage, flavor, and connection.
Our Mission:
At On The Wood, our mission is to create memorable dining experiences by blending the rich culinary traditions of Lebanon with innovative international flavors, all crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
We are dedicated to delivering exceptional service in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where every dish tells a story and every guest feels at home. Inspired by the vibrant cultural tapestry of the GCC, we aim to reflect this unique blend through our food, hospitality, and values.
With a steadfast commitment to excellence and authenticity, we strive to delight every guest, foster a strong sense of community, and be a gathering place where flavor, culture, and connection come together.
Integrity
We are deeply committed to conducting all interactions — whether with employees, customers, or stakeholders — with the utmost honesty, transparency, and respect.
We believe that doing what is right should always take precedence over personal or commercial gain. Guided by strong ethical principles, we prioritize fairness, accountability, and integrity in every decision we make. This unwavering commitment ensures that our brand is not only known for great food, but also for the trust and values that define every aspect of our business.
Agility
We foster a culture where adaptability and responsiveness are key. We empower our employees to swiftly respond to market changes, evolving customer needs, and emerging challenges — ensuring that our team remains agile, proactive, and solution-oriented.
By encouraging a dynamic and forward-thinking mindset, we not only stay ahead of industry trends but also position ourselves to seize new opportunities and maintain resilience in the face of adversity. This agile approach strengthens our commitment to continuous improvement and ensures that our guests consistently receive the best possible experience.
Passion
Passion is at the heart of everything we do. It’s what drives our people, inspires creativity, and motivates every team member to bring their best effort to the table each day.
We believe that when employees are truly passionate about their work, they not only find purpose and fulfillment, but also become deeply aligned with the company’s vision and goals. This shared passion empowers our workforce to tackle challenges with determination, work collaboratively, and contribute meaningfully to our ongoing success.
Leadership
We believe that leadership is more than a title — it’s a responsibility. Strong leadership serves as a beacon of motivation and direction, aligning every team member with our shared mission and goals. By valuing leadership at every level of the organization, we cultivate a culture where individuals are empowered to contribute, innovate boldly, and drive the brand forward with confidence and purpose.
Trust
We recognize that the success of any business is rooted in the strength of relationships — with our employees, our customers, and our partners.
By consistently demonstrating honesty, reliability, and respect, we earn the trust of those we serve and work with. This trust is what enables us to build lasting connections, foster loyalty, and stand apart in a competitive landscape. It is both a value we uphold and a promise we keep — every day, in every interaction.