It all started in March of 2020, when Eli traveled to Los Angeles for a conference. On the last day of the conference, news hit about covid which left him devastated and stranded from his wife and family. He worked with the Lebanese American Foundation and was put into contact with Ferris, who offered to let Eli stay at one of his properties. During this time Eli would make his traditional Lebanese dishes for Ferris as a way to say thank you for everything he had done for him. Flash forward 3 months, August 4th 2020, the famous blast in Beirut caused by a large amount of ammonium nitrate stored in the port -destroyed everything Eli and his wife Stephanie had built back home in Lebanon and all of their investments were gone. While Eli was feeling low on hope and money, Ferris came to him and asked if he would ever consider opening up a restaurant. Ferris offered to be an investor to help Eli get started. Eli showed him the building he was interested in and low and behold - Ferris was the landlord! It was all written in the stars - a sign that it was meant to be! Sumac wouldn't be where they are today without the incredible kindness of a man who was once a stranger! That foundation has helped build this business into what it is today - a company focused on treating everyone equally, doing good works for others, and connecting cultures over quality food! Sumac is more than a meal, Sumac is a place of comfort, appreciation and joy!

Stephanie and Eli Berchan met when they were little children running through the grapevine fields in their little hometown in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon. As young adults, life had taken them to different places in the world only to be reunited once again at the shores of the Mediterranean. A love affair for the sea, for the food, and for each other was born and they tied the knot. A common dream of opening a family-owned restaurant and the fate led happenstance moved their lovenest to the beautiful Los Angeles. 

"A Meal Only Tastes Good if It Smells Good”

Eli realized his passion for cooking as a youngster observing his mother perform magic in the kitchen. “A dash of salt, a sprinkle of pepper, and a whole lot of love” she would say. As an adult, Eli attended the Institute Hotelier Cezar Ritz and Les Roches Hotel Management School, two of the finest hospitality schools in Switzerland where he learned at the hands of the most reputable chefs in the world. Eli took his newly founded eloquence in cooking and perfected it by roaming the world and working with prestigious hotels and launching new ones including Raffles Dubai, Armani Hotel, and many others.

Old World cookery tradition meets New World culinary creativity in the iconic eatery nestled in the heart of Hollywood. Sumac Cuisine is inspired by songs of the Mediterranean and the voices of its cities. A melody of diverse cultures that birthed a fusion cuisine like no other. From the villages of Spain to the islands of Greece reaching the shores of Lebanon, we pay homage to every Mediterranean country by bringing to you fresh, organic, and locally grown ingredients cooked with passion and served with love.
Our fusion menu includes Lebanese bread wraps and sandwiches like Falafel, Kabob, and Shawarma. Our international chefs can prepare a mankouche that’ll make your Grandma proud. Finally, seal each meal with honey-sweet pastries like walnut-filled Phyllo Baklava!

Career Opportunities

Why work with us?

A few of our sweet perks

Paid Sick Leave

Apply today!