Nehme Elbitar’s love for cooking began in his hometown of Chadra, Lebanon.

Nehme Elbitar of Chadra

Nehme William Elbitar
Chef & Owner

Nehme’s mother sparked his passion for the culinary arts from a young age. He remembers watching her prepare meals using ingredients from their garden and feeding the neighborhood. Her generous spirit inspired him to pursue a dream in the kitchen, never knowing how far away it would take him.
Nehme received his culinary education from Kafaat University in Beirut, Lebanon, where he became a chef and studied Hospitality Management. Soon after, he moved to Texas with aspirations of his own American dream. From very humble beginnings as a dishwasher, Nehme eventually began to work his way into more responsibility at various local Lebanese restaurants.

After a few years of working for others, as well as learning English and Spanish, Nehme eventually became the owner of his very own restaurant, Café Chadra. The small hole in the wall quickly charmed many Fort Worth patrons and propelled him to purchase a building in Fort Worth’s medical district. After a complete renovation and receiving an award for best neighborhood revitalization, Chadra Mezza and Grill also overcame its humble beginnings. Using his hands-on experience, culinary education, and love for cooking, Nehme now creates dishes with a strong Mediterranean influence while remaining true to the lessons he learned from his mother’s kitchen.

Chadra Mezza and Grill is an embodiment of all his hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Nehme and his wife, Christina, are able to bring Fort Worth a taste of his hometown of Chadra, using community as their main ingredient!