When Former President George W. Bush’s hand-painted portrait of Salim Asrawi flashed on the big screen at the Bush Center’s Forum on Leadership on April 24, it was more than a likeness — it served as a testament to the restauranteur’s extraordinary journey.
Moderated by Anne Wicks, the Don Evans Family Managing Director of Opportunity and Democracy at the Bush Institute, the co-founder and president of Texas de Brazil joined KIND Snacks founder Daniel Lubetzky for a conversation about freedom, opportunity, and compassion — the Shark Tank judge adding a touch of humor as he quipped to his fellow immigrant about the striking portrait displayed overhead.
During the discussion, Asrawi recounted the many opportunities afforded him after he arrived at a Texas boarding school at the age of 14. His mother had made it clear that his escape from war-torn Beirut came with responsibility.
“We lived in a shelter with no running water, and it was commonplace to be shot at unprovoked,” Asrawi said. “I came from a place where there was no law and order, and freedom wasn’t an option, so it’s something I’ve never taken for granted.”
From humble beginnings to a global empire, the Preston Hollow resident is known for still rolling up his sleeves to scrub dishes in the kitchens of his over $500 million brand.
After being seated next to George W. Bush at a Trinity Christian Academy fundraiser in Santa Barbara, California in 2018, the two spoke of topics far-removed from mundane fundraising matters.
When the Bush Institute sunsetted the Warrior Open golf tournament for Team 43, a group of veterans and law enforcement members, Asrawi picked up the baton to continue the golfing tradition with Team 43.
“For me, it’s not about whether you agree with someone on all the particulars of policy or politics. It’s about realizing that freedom is not free, and our nation’s veterans deserve our deepest gratitude and respect,” said Asrawi.
The restauranteur underscored the importance he places on interpersonal engagement and respect, just as his predecessor had done. “It really doesn’t matter how the interactions happen. It’s not about the golf, it’s about our heroes looking forward to a date on the calendar when they can set aside the trauma of war and just be celebrated,” he said, adding how he’s always respected how the former president interacts with veterans who’ve returned from duty with a myriad of physical and emotional wounds.
“[At the Warrior Open], the President and First Lady would show up, not just to make an appearance, but to engage with the warriors and listen to their stories,” he said. “And, of course, he’d have to give me a hard time if my golf swing wasn’t up to par that day.”
Asrawi ensures the members of Team 43 have an unforgettable weekend, insisting each stay at The Ritz Carlton when they’re in town for the golf event.
“For Salim, the weekend is all about the vets and first-responders,” said event participant Tommy Habeeb, “He embodies an unbelievable spirit of generosity. You’ll never hear him ask for the good wine while everyone else at the table is served the cheap stuff.”
The painting of Asrawi featured in George W. Bush’s 2021 book Out of Many, One: Portraits of America’s Immigrants, captures the essence of a man who has overcome great odds and is determined to pay his success forward.
He joked that agreeing to have his portrait painted by the former president didn’t come with any veto power. “Honestly, I wouldn’t have cared how he painted me, but his talent and dedication to conveying our stories in a meaningful way is apparent.”
The portrait of the president of Texas de Brazil was one of seven chosen for the book’s cover. His bio in the book, which is positioned between those of Henry Kissinger, Madeleine Albright, and Dirk Nowitzki, is succinct, but behind those few lines lies a life shaped by bold pivots, unexpected detours, and a quiet determination that never sought the spotlight — but earned it. Asrawi could have submitted pages of accomplishments and accolades.
But that’s simply not his way.
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