Latest news with #Tahini
Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
This restaurant chain took a gamble on bitcoin to combat inflation. Here's what happened
Five years ago, when the world was gripped by the uncertainty of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic , the founders of Tahini's, a Canadian fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant chain, took an unusual gamble. Co-founders and brothers Omar and Aly Hamam took Tahini's cash reserves and invested in cryptocurrency bitcoin. It was a prescient move. Since March 2020, bitcoin's price has risen from around $5,200 (U.S.) to just under $120,000 (U.S.). When they first started buying bitcoin, Tahini's CEO Omar Hamam says he was thinking, 'the government's printing money left, right and centre … it's just a matter of time before the inflation hits.' The brothers and their cousin and business partner, Ahmed Dessouki, considered investing in gold at first, but chose bitcoin in the end to hedge against inflation . 'It is volatile, absolutely. But in the long run, you make more money than anything else,' Hamam said about investing in the cryptocurrency, noting there were months at a time when he was worried about having done so. 'I saw (bitcoin's value) go down and I'm like, 'oh my god, is that a good decision?'' Now, Hamam says he sees bitcoin as the natural 'evolution of money.' 'Inflation is affecting everyone, and I feel like the only thing to fight it is bitcoin,' he said. Both Hamam and Henry Kim, director of the at York University's Schulich's School of Business, agree bitcoin has recently come to be seen as a more conventional investment, especially as U.S. lawmakers have become more accepting of cryptocurrencies under President Donald Trump . Though investing in bitcoin has gained popularity, the practice of businesses treating it as a treasury reserve asset, as Tahini's has, is 'still a minority thing to do, and also quite speculative,' said Kim. Bitcoin 'behaves a lot like gold,' but 'on more steroids,' Kim explained. 'If (the value of) gold goes up, oftentimes bitcoin goes up even more.' Bitcoin's value fluctuates though, and it was significantly cheaper during the pandemic than it is right now. According to CoinMarketCap , the cryptocurrency's market cap currently sits at $2.36 trillion. That Tahini's has seen success in bitcoin is 'great,' but all it means is that Hamam 'was a great investor,' said Kim. 'There's a bubble in there, and some people that are forming bitcoin treasuries right now will probably get hurt.' Paul Pincente, vice-president of digital assets at Purpose Investments, has a slightly more optimistic view. 'Responsibly contributing what your business can afford — not going overboard — it's a fantastic strategy,' said Pincente. He acknowledged that investing in bitcoin can be daunting for the non-tech savvy, but said doing so through an exchange-traded fund is one way to get around that. For those considering investing in bitcoin, education, patience and 'knowing that there are other options to exposure that aren't as risky from a loss perspective' is important, said Pincente. In Tahini's case, its reserve hasn't been dipped into yet. 'We've been saving it for a rainy day,' said Hamam. But when the time comes, 'it's good to know that we have that money in the bank accounts. It makes us feel confident.'
Toronto Star
6 days ago
- Business
- Toronto Star
This restaurant chain took a gamble on bitcoin to combat inflation. Here's what happened
Five years ago, when the world was gripped by the uncertainty of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the founders of Tahini's, a Canadian fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant chain, took an unusual gamble. Co-founders and brothers Omar and Aly Hamam took Tahini's cash reserves and invested in cryptocurrency bitcoin. It was a prescient move.
Al Manar
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Manar
Al-Manar's Explainer on Israeli Aggression and Lebanese Army Dahiyeh Inspection
Al-Manar reveals details on the Israeli aggression on Beirut's southern suburb, Dahiyeh, on Thursday, especially regarding the inspection process at the threatened buildings. Al-Manar correspondent Mona Tahini revealed that following the evacuation threats issued by the Israeli occupation army, there was communication between Lebanon and the United States. 'A proposal was presented that the Lebanese Army inspects the threatened buildings and Hezbollah agreed,' our correspondent said. Israeli occupation carries a heavy strike on a building in Beirut's Dahiyeh#الضاحية_الجنوبية #Dahiyeh #Beirut — ManarWeb (@WebManar) June 5, 2025 An Israeli preliminary strike, known as a 'roof knock', targeted one of the buildings as a unit of the Lebanese Army was in, Al-Manar's Tahini reported. The Lebanese Army force didn't find weapons at the building, she reported, citing security sources. The Israeli enemy launched dozens of strikes targeting residential buildings in Dahiyeh on Thursday, on the eve of Eid Al-Adha, the most intense aggression on the Beirut's southern suburb since the ceasefire between Lebanon and the Zionist entity took effect in November 2024.
India.com
23-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- India.com
Crunchy, Fresh And Fast: Falafal Wraps In 7 Steps
Muskan Kalra May 23, 2025 Make the Falafel Mixture take 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained, 1 small onion, 3 garlic cloves, ½ cup parsley, 2 tbsp flour or oat flour, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp coriander, salt & pepper. And Blend everything in a food processor. Form and Cook the Falafel. Form into small patties or balls and Pan-fry with a touch of olive oil until golden Prepare the Wrap Base by using whole wheat or gluten-free wraps. Warm them slightly to make them flexible. Add Spread a base layer to add creaminess according to preference, Hummus, Tzatziki (Greek yogurt-based), Tahini sauce, Vegan garlic sauce. Layer with fresh, crunchy, colorful veggies like: Cucumber slices, Tomato, Lettuce or spinach, Red cabbage, Shredded carrots. Place 3–4 falafel balls or patties in the center. Slightly flatten them for easier wrapping. Wrap It Up and Serve Roll tightly like a burrito. You can also grill it briefly in a pan for extra crisp. Serve with a lemon wedge or extra dip on the side. Read Next Story
Cision Canada
18-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Al Kanater brand Tahini recalled due to Salmonella
OTTAWA, ON, May 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Product: Tahini Issue: Food - Microbial contamination - Salmonella Distribution: Alberta See the affected products and product photos for this recall SOURCE Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
