By Eli Berchan
SUMAC®, A Leap of Faith
The true story of resilience, family and faith behind SUMAC®, told by the entrepreneur who built it.
Buy on AmazonFrom the author
Why I Wrote This: A Note from Eli
Why this story had to be written — in Eli's own words, about the leap that changed everything.
SUMAC®, A Leap of Faith is more than the story of building a restaurant. It is a story of entrepreneurship, resilience, family, belief, and the unexpected turns that can completely redefine our lives.
What began during one of the most uncertain periods of my life became a journey filled with risks, challenges, opportunities, loss, perseverance, and above all, faith. In this book, I share the story behind SUMAC® and the personal journey that unfolded alongside it, the moments that tested me, shaped me, and ultimately reminded me why sometimes the biggest decisions in life begin with a leap of faith.
The story
Inside the Book
In March 2020, a routine business trip to Los Angeles turned into the biggest turning point of Eli Berchan's life. As the world went into lockdown, Eli found himself stranded far from home, separated from his wife Stephanie, and facing a future he couldn't yet see.
What followed was a season defined by uncertainty: a global pandemic, the devastating Beirut explosion, and a string of personal and professional setbacks that would have derailed most people. Instead, an unexpected text message became the spark for SUMAC®, a Mediterranean restaurant that opened in the heart of Hollywood almost overnight.
SUMAC®, A Leap of Faith is the inspiring true story of resilience, entrepreneurship, family, and unwavering faith. It is an honest account of what it really takes to build a business when everything seems impossible, and a reminder that life's greatest setbacks often become the foundation for its greatest blessings. It's a story for anyone who has ever had to rebuild from nothing, and a firsthand look at what it takes to turn a moment of crisis into a lasting business.
Read the Full Story
SUMAC®, A Leap of Faith is available now for purchase on Amazon.