Jessica Kahawaty continues to add accomplishments to her ever-expanding resume as a model, actress, humanitarian, and entrepreneur. The multi-hyphenate Australian-Lebanese launched a food business with her mother during pandemic, Rita Kahawaty, for her most recent venture. Mama Rita, the duo’s food delivery service, focuses on healthy, home-cooked meals like beetroot hummus, vegetarian lasagna, and mloukhieh made with high-quality ingredients.
Jessica, on the other hand, is in charge of the company’s logistics and focuses on website design, branding, content, photography, and copywriting. The company’s beef stroganoff, traditional kebbe bi laban, and oriental rice with lamb can now be delivered to Abu Dhabi residents thanks to the platform’s rapid expansion since its launch less than a year ago. Arab News inquired of Jessica regarding the opening of Mama Rita, her favorite dishes on the menu, and the experience of starting a business during the pandemic.
“For years, people would tell my mother that she should share her food with the world — a restaurant, a food delivery business, anything. When the pandemic started last year, mum got stuck here as she was on a two-week trip from Australia. She stayed with me due to the uncertainty and we finally decided to make the Mama Rita dream come true.”
Jessica has put together a menu that includes all of her favorites. She adores her vegetarian lasagna, homemade shawarma, and kebbe bi laban. Her favorite dessert is the fresh fruit paradise, and the cheesecake is the best I’ve ever had.
The pandemic was a tough time for everyone, but there were many positive aspects. Since Jessica was not on business travel then, Dubai provided the ideal setting for her to concentrate. They were sensitive to the social and economic climate around them and decided to start a democratically priced food delivery business. A homey meal at a reasonable price was the most important thing for people who were getting furloughed and experiencing a great deal of uncertainty in their lives. Therefore, the pandemic presented them with an opportunity to enter the homes of other people and offer some solace.
Jessica is extremely organized and meticulous and because of that she can balance her life between her modeling career and mama rita. Additionally, she is fortunate to be surrounded by a diverse and well-organized team, which eases some of the burdens.
