The Lebanese Burger Mafia [2023] – On Paramount Plus

The Lebanese Burger Mafia documentary movie is look at the messy history of the Burger Barron franchise. And just like the Lebanese culture, it’s messy, makes no sense, but also interesting and quirky.

Written, directed, and narrated by Omar Mouallem, the self-proclaimed “son of a baron” takes us, the viewers, thru a weird look at how the Burger Baron franchise supposedly started in Alberta, and how it actually was started in the USA even before McDonalds. Sounds boring, right?

However, Mouallem puts his own Lebanese twist on it by highlighting the current setup of the franchise divided by the multiple, and often clashing, Lebanese owners. The famous, and sometimes infamous, immigrants co-opted this franchise to make a living, and a living they made.

In addition to the history of the burger, Mouallem couldn’t stay away from the history of Lebanon. And this is the part that I didn’t like about this documentary. For better or worse, usually for worse, every single movie or documentary about anything Lebanese must go over the civil war all over again. I honestly don’t know why. I get a mention here and there to further your story. But 15 to 20 minutes of it? Why?

Don’t get me wrong. I really enjoyed this documentary, the history of the franchise, the history of Alberta, the family drama and the typical and non-traditional way Lebanese families do business. I laughed, a LOT. I just wish that they summarized the civil war part or just mention it and skip it all together.

Plus, who would start a “burger mafia” other than Lebanese immigrants?

Should You Watch It?

It’s a story built on immigration, struggle, success, overcoming prejudice, and a healthy side of family drama. Light documentary with lots of history and comedy.

Where Can I Watch It?

You can stream The Lebanese Burger Mafia exclusively on Paramount+.