Meet Layali El Sham Owner Abdullah Ata
How did your business get started?
We first learned about the opportunity at Southern Market, and around that time we had been dreaming of sharing our culture and authentic Syrian-Kurdish cuisine with the Lancaster community. That opportunity encouraged us to take the next step and turn that dream into reality. We were also inspired by the strong support system available to small businesses in Lancaster County. Organizations such as the Lancaster Chamber, ASSETS, and SCORE provided guidance, encouragement, and resources that helped us move from an idea to a functioning business. This environment of robust small-business ecosystem in Lancaster and PA continues to enable us as a small business to grow and prosper.
Why Lancaster County?
Lancaster County is one of the most diverse and welcoming communities in Pennsylvania. People here are curious, open-minded, and eager to experience new cultures, foods, and traditions. The vibrant downtown, thriving small business community, and strong sense of local pride create an environment where entrepreneurs can succeed. We felt Lancaster was the perfect place to introduce authentic Syrian cuisine because residents genuinely embrace diversity and support local businesses.
What makes your business unique?
Our flavors and passion for sharing our culture. Our food is fresh, flavorful, and made with love! Starting through a special collaboration between a son and his mother to bring generations of passed down recipes to life.
What has been one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned as a small business owner?
Running a business is equal parts about being passionate about your idea, your customers, and business, as well as being ready and open to learning and taking on challenges. The “business side” including administrative, regulatory, and finance, which the business owner often takes on, is less glamorous, but equally critical for the survival of the business. Running a small business is no small feat and requires nimbleness and multi-hat wearing!
What does success look like for your business?
In many ways success for us is continuing our mission in sharing our culture and flavors with a level of excellence to food lovers in PA!
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about starting their own business?
Don’t wait and don’t be afraid to take the first step. At the same time, take your time to do your homework and learn as much as possible about your market, customers, and industry. One of the biggest advantages of starting a business in Lancaster County is the incredible support available through organizations such as the Lancaster Chamber, ASSETS, SCORE, and Cultivate Lancaster. These resources provide mentorship, training, networking opportunities, and practical guidance that can truly be life-changing for an entrepreneur.
What’s next for your business?
We’ve revamped our food experience and offering at both locations – changing our menus, offering more food options and bringing in more specials and sharing more of our culture – and so we look forward to continue in that direction. We would love to explore and continue in the path of cultural experiences and exchanges through food – exciting opportunities and collaborations are coming online soon – make sure to check them out through our instagram page HERE.
Learn More
Visit their website to learn more about Layali El Sham. Read more about Lancaster’s small business community in our latest publication, Small Business Success— A resource magazine for small business owners and entreprenuers throughout Lancaster County!
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