With the #3advicefromasyrianarmenian feature, Hayern Aysor presents the interview with owner of Tawouk Restaurant Vigen Pilibosian.

Hayern Aysor: When did you move to Armenia?

Vigen Pilibosian: I moved from Aleppo five years ago and have never looked back.

Hayern Aysor: Is this your first business?

Vigen Pilibosian: No, it is my second one. I started a business with a friend of mine years ago, but I stopped running it and left Armenia temporarily. My family and I moved to Europe, particularly Holland. However, I realized that there is no place better than Armenia, and we returned.

Hayern Aysor: What made you return to Armenia? Was it the longing?

Vigen Pilibosian: Life is easier in Armenia. Children go to school and return alone. In addition, everyone here is Armenian. If we stayed abroad, we would lose our identity. We have fought so hard to make sure our children preserve their national identity and grow up as Armenians. We were tricked into believing that things would be better in Holland, but life is much better here.

Hayern Aysor: When did you open Tawouk Restaurant?

Vigen Pilibosian: I opened Tawouk Restaurant two months after my return from Holland.

Hayern Aysor: What does “tawouk” mean?

Vigen Pilibosian: In Arabic, tawouk means “chicken”. This is a brand outside of Armenia, and many people know it. It is a lot like chicken shawarma, but it is prepared in a different way. Our restaurant offers various kinds of tawouks, including Mexican and shish-tawouk. Other restaurants also serve tawuk, but I grill it. It is very tasty, especially with a special sauce.

Hayern Aysor: What advice would you give to those who wish to start a business in Armenia?

Vigen Pilibosian: First, you shouldn’t start a big business right away. You need to start with a small business and then make your business grow. You also need to be very patient in order to achieve something. Finally, you need to be provident.

Laura Samvelyan