Babak Bina, Co-Founder, Co- Board Chair

Born in Tehran, Iran, Babak immigrated to the United States in 1979 to attend school. He graduated from Boston University with a degree in Business Administration. In 1990, after working at several Boston restaurants, Babak went into business with his sister, star chef Azita Bina-Siebel, opening the acclaimed Azita Ristorante in Boston’s South End.

In 1995, the brother-and-sister team opened their nationally acclaimed Persian restaurant Lala Rokh on Beacon Hill. In 2006, the duo opened Bin 26 Enoteca, an Italian restaurant and wine bar on Charles Street, which has received wide critical acclaim. In the fall of 2008, they opened BiNA osteria and BiNA alimentari. Nestled in the North Tower of the Ritz Carlton Residence in Downtown Crossing, BiNA osteria combines old world concepts with a modern day feel – a hospitality approach which extends to BiNA alimentari, an adjacent European food shop. He also opened up JM Curleys on Temple Street in 2012, Bogie’s Place in 2013, Merrill & Co in the South End in 2014, Sunny Boy's in Brookline in 2015 and The Wig Shop Cocktail Lounge in 2022. Babak continues to open additional restaurants in the Boston area and Is also a principal in a real estate development company.

In addition to his restaurant work, Babak has always been involved in his community. In 1991 he created the Tremont Street Business Association then the Taste of the South End. Due to his civic dedication, Babak has been appointed by Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino for several task forces, including the National Theatre on Boston Center for the Arts and Massachusetts General Hospital’s ten year master plan. In 1995, Babak helped reorganize and legalize the Beacon Hill Business Association (BHBA) and became the BHBA's first elected chairman. He even wrote a booklet on how to create a non-profit business organization. In 2001, Babak founded the Taste of Beacon Hill and in 2005 the Taste of Beacon Hill Scholarship Fund, which has financially assisted several Boston Public School graduates to attend culinary school. Babak has worked closely with many city agencies such as the Boston Redevelopment Authority, Boston City Council, while also serving on the Boston Police Advisory Board both in area A-1 and D-4. His charitable contributions to such organizations as Community Servings, Casa Myrna Vasquez and many more have earned him much recognition from these organizations as well as commendations by Mayor Menino, Governor Weld and the Spinazzola Foundation. He presently serves on numerous community boards including the Mass General Hospital Master Plan and the Downtown Crossing Alliance Board of Directors.

In 2009, Babak and his wife Coryn began work on establishing the BINA Farm Center due to their love of children and horses and their passion to give back to the community.

Babak lives outside of Boston with his wife and two teenagers.

Contact: babak@binafarm.org