After 41 years, Beirut Restaurant in West St. Paul is moving and changing concepts.

The restaurant, built in a former electronics store by Joe and Rita Khoury in 1983, is now owned by their son, John Khoury, who wants to transition to a more sustainable business model — counter service, with an emphasis on takeout and catering.

Khoury also wants to be closer to his own east metro home.

The West St. Paul restaurant will close in mid-September, but a new location, in the Rosemount Crossing strip mall at Minnesota 42 and Robert Trail, will open in late summer or early fall.

“I have put in 37 years in this business — since i was 13 years old,” Khoury said. “I’m an owner-operator, so I do everything. I wanted to transition into more of a managerial or supervisory role, versus a do-everything role. This was the best way to do it.”

Khoury said the rising costs of supplies and labor contributed to his decision, but it was more a mid-life reckoning.

“I haven’t had a vacation in eight years,” said Khoury, who recently turned 50. “I’m not ready to retire yet, but that’s the next step.”

That next step is quite a way out, though, because Khoury has ambitions to open several Beirut locations around the Twin Cities with the takeout/counter service model.

Madeline and John Khoury, husband and wife owners of Beiruit Restaurant in West St. Paul, May 2, 2016. (Pioneer Press: Scott Takushi)

Khoury announced the transition on the restaurant’s social media, with a wistful note about the restaurant’s history and future. Here’s an excerpt from that post:

“All things come to an end, making way for a new chapter.

“41 years. 41 years in the same location. We’ve been through it all. Mostly good. Thanks to the support of our incredible customers and loyal staff, we survived — actually, thrived! — during those trying years of 2020 and 2021. But alas, our time here in West St. Paul has come to an end. And, just so there’s no confusion, it is all under our own terms, and with great joy and optimism, that we are evolving as a business and, more importantly, as a family …

“Thank you to each and every one of our customers who have made us who we are. From the birthday celebrations, to the first dates, to the anniversaries, and even to the marriage proposal or two, it’s been an honor to be a part of your memories.

“To the hundreds of employees who have helped build Beirut Restaurant, many of whom have become and will forever remain family, thank you for your support and contributions.

“Again, our story isn’t ending. We are just writing a new chapter.”

Gift cards will be honored at the new location, and longtime customers have plenty of time to visit for one last mezza platter.

Beirut Restaurant: 1385 S. Robert St., West St. Paul; 651-457-4886; beirutrestaurantanddeli.com

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