Community Highlights: Meet Ibtisam Masto of Olive Tree Catering LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ibtisam Masto.

Hi Ibtisam, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Ibtisam Masto, and I am the founder and chef behind Olive Tree Catering LLC, a Syrian catering company based in Cincinnati, Ohio.

I was born and raised in Syria, where food was always at the heart of our family, our traditions, and our way of showing love. When the war forced my family to leave our home, we sought refuge in Lebanon. It was there that a new chapter of my life began.

In Lebanon, I started cooking professionally. At first, I thought it was simply a hobby and an opportunity to learn something new. But as I shared my food with others, I realized it was much more than that. Food became a way to preserve our heritage, introduce people to our traditions, and tell the story of Syria through every meal I prepared.

When my family was given the opportunity to immigrate to the United States, I carried that dream with me. I wanted to introduce people to the beauty of Arab culture through authentic Syrian cuisine. Starting over in a new country wasn’t easy. I was raising six children while learning a new language and adapting to a different culture, but I never let go of my dream.

I founded Olive Tree Catering to share the recipes that have been passed down through generations in my family. What began as a small dream has grown into a business that serves customers across Cincinnati through farmers markets, festivals, corporate events, weddings, and private catering.

One of the greatest joys has been seeing people from many different backgrounds discover Syrian food for the first time and fall in love with it. Along the way, Olive Tree has received recognition for its authentic cuisine and has participated in many of the region’s largest food events.

Today, my mission is about much more than serving delicious food. I want Olive Tree to build bridges between cultures, preserve our traditions, and remind people that food has the power to bring communities together. Every dish we serve carries a piece of my family’s journey—from Syria, through Lebanon, to the United States—and represents resilience, hope, and the belief that even after losing everything, you can build something beautiful again.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road. Like many immigrants and refugees, I had to rebuild my life from the ground up. Leaving my home, adapting to a new country, learning a new language, and raising six children while starting a business were some of the biggest challenges I have ever faced.

When I arrived in the United States, I had to learn not only how to run a business but also how to navigate a completely different system. There were many moments of uncertainty, financial challenges, and self-doubt. Building trust as a new business owner in a competitive industry took patience, persistence, and countless hours of hard work.

Another challenge has been balancing family and business. As a mother, my children have always come first, yet I also wanted to build something meaningful that would create a better future for them and make them proud of their heritage.

I have also faced health challenges along the way, but every obstacle has taught me resilience and gratitude. Instead of seeing these experiences as setbacks, I see them as lessons that made me stronger.

Today, I believe that every challenge has shaped the person and entrepreneur I have become. They remind me that success is not about having an easy journey—it’s about refusing to give up. Every time someone enjoys our food and tells me it reminds them of home or introduces them to a new culture, I know that every sacrifice has been worth it.

As you know, we’re big fans of Olive Tree Catering LLC . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Olive Tree Catering LLC is a Syrian-owned catering company based in Cincinnati, Ohio, dedicated to sharing the rich flavors, traditions, and hospitality of authentic Syrian cuisine.

Our mission is much bigger than serving food. We believe every meal tells a story. Through family recipes that have been passed down for generations, we introduce people to the culture, history, and warmth of the Middle East. Every dish is made from scratch with fresh ingredients, traditional techniques, and a great deal of love.

We specialize in authentic Syrian catering for weddings, corporate events, private parties, festivals, and farmers markets. Our menu includes traditional favorites such as shawarma, kabsa, hummus, baba ghanouj, kibbeh, and our award-winning baklava best teste 2025 & 2026.

What sets Olive Tree apart is that our food is deeply personal. Every recipe reflects my family’s journey from Syria, through Lebanon, to the United States. We don’t simply serve meals—we create an experience that brings people together and encourages cultural understanding through food.

One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is seeing people from so many different backgrounds embrace Syrian cuisine. I am also proud that Olive Tree has participated in many of Cincinnati’s largest food festivals and community events, earning recognition for the quality and authenticity of our food.

Looking ahead, my vision is to continue growing Olive Tree while staying true to our roots. I hope to expand our catering services, bring authentic Syrian products to more families, and continue building bridges between cultures through food. At Olive Tree, every customer is welcomed like family, and every meal is prepared with the same care and generosity we would offer in our own home.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
One of the things I love most about Cincinnati is its beautiful nature. The green trees, parks, and the Ohio River remind me of my hometown in Syria and the Orontes River, where I grew up. Being surrounded by nature gives me a sense of peace and reminds me of home.

What I appreciate even more is the people. The Cincinnati community has been incredibly kind, welcoming, and supportive. Their encouragement has played a huge role in helping me grow Olive Tree Catering into what it is today. Many of our customers have become like extended family. They celebrate our successes, support our business, and have watched my children grow over the years. That kind of connection means more to me than words can express.

Like many immigrants, we have experienced some difficult moments. In the beginning, my daughters sometimes faced discrimination at school because they wore the hijab. Hearing hurtful comments was painful as a parent. Thankfully, those experiences were the exception, not the rule. The vast majority of people we have met have shown us kindness, respect, and acceptance.

Today, I choose to focus on the good. Cincinnati has given my family opportunities, friendships, and a place where we can share our culture through food. I am grateful to call this city home, and I hope to continue giving back to the community that has given so much to us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.olivetreecincy.com
• Instagram: Olivetree.catering
• Facebook: Olivetree.catering