Abouna (Fr.) Tony is a brand name kneaded with love over five decades. He brings out the good in you. A master listener. Generous with his time and resources. A youth dynamo, team player, and team builder. Obedient to his church, a servant leader, and an inspiration by example.

I had seen him with a dog a few times. He’d grab a coffee, take a table on the outside terrace overlooking Beirut, and read. What brings this European-looking biker to Lebanon? These days, and to this Starbucks in particular? What’s his story? I was intrigued.

Osta became Costa after half his family moved to the US. His dad’s cousins are the Costantine’s (sometimes spelled Constantine). The Osta’s are originally from Maghdousheh (مغدوشة) near Sidon, Lebanon.