The thought of leaving Egypt and moving abroad never once entered Mostafa Amria’s mind. Mostafa initially traveled to Amsterdam to visit friends, but what started as a short holiday – while he waited to hear about a job placement back in Egypt – turned into a 35-plus-year stay. Noticing the numerous opportunities to succeed and build a life in the Netherlands, however, Mostafa decided to settle in for the long haul. The year was 1980. Hoping to launch a business of his own, he completed the required courses to start a restaurant. Entrepreneur life took hold, and Egyptian Restaurant Toetanchamon opened its doors on July 1, 1981.