Tahini’s Restaurants, a Canadian fast-casual chain specializing in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, made a strategic move in 2020 by integrating bitcoin into its business model. This bold decision has paid off tremendously, with bitcoin now making up over 70% of their reserves and playing a crucial role in their rapid expansion to 62 restaurants across the country.
Founded in 2012 by brothers Omar and Aly Hamam, Tahini’s started with just one restaurant in London, Ontario. The adoption of bitcoin as part of their treasury strategy was influenced by Michael Saylor’s approach and has given them a competitive edge in the fast-casual food industry dominated by major players like McDonald’s and Chipotle.
Aly Hamam, the driving force behind the restaurant’s bitcoin strategy, was inspired by his family’s experiences with the devaluation of the Egyptian pound over the years. Witnessing the devastating impact of inflation on their life savings, Aly turned to bitcoin during the market crash in March 2020. His deep dive into the world of bitcoin led to the decision to invest the company’s reserves into the digital asset, a move that has proven to be highly successful.
The Hamam brothers have implemented various innovative strategies, such as deploying Bitcoin ATMs at several of their franchises and leveraging a strong social media presence to reach a wide audience. Their commitment to a bitcoin treasury strategy has set them apart in the industry and positioned them for long-term success.
Tahini’s approach to bitcoin investment involves a dollar-cost averaging strategy, where they consistently purchase bitcoin each month regardless of price fluctuations. This method has proven effective in building their reserves and weathering bear markets, with bitcoin now representing a significant portion of their overall assets.
When it comes to monetizing their bitcoin holdings, Tahini’s takes a straightforward approach by selling bitcoin as needed for business opportunities and reinvesting later. This strategy allows them to leverage their bitcoin reserves for growth and operational needs while accounting for capital gains tax implications.
Despite facing challenges with integrating bitcoin payments into their POS systems, Tahini’s has found innovative solutions such as adding Bitcoin ATMs to their restaurants. While the road to widespread adoption of bitcoin payments in the industry may be complex, the Hamam brothers remain optimistic about the future of bitcoin in the business world.
In conclusion, Tahini’s Restaurants’ strategic integration of bitcoin into their business model has been a game-changer, propelling their growth and setting them apart in the competitive fast-casual food industry. With a strong focus on long-term investment strategies and a commitment to innovation, Tahini’s is well-positioned for continued success in the evolving landscape of digital assets.