Step inside the dynamic kitchens of Demind Group with executive chef Timothy Newton, where he provides an inside look at the people, processes and principles that define his approach to gastronomy.
How do you manage the operational demands of leading a group?
It’s about understanding the potential of the people you have in your kitchen and assigning roles thoughtfully. Moreover, hiring the right talent ensures they can carry both the artistic and operational sides with skill and confidence. So, once you build the right team, harmony comes naturally, allowing operations to flow smoothly while creativity continues to thrive.
Each concept under Demind Group has its own cultural DNA. How do you switch gears between each restaurant?
By staying true to the identity of each cuisine, we ensure every dish reflects its original culture and authentic flavor consistently. Similarly, we never switch or alter the ethos of the food, preserving traditions, storytelling and culinary integrity across all our concepts. At the same time, techniques and consistency may feel familiar across brands, but ingredients, presentation and narrative remain unique to each concept.
As a group executive chef, do you feel your legacy comes from the teams you build?
For me, the legacy definitely comes from the teams I build, rather than from individual flavors or signature dishes alone. In fact, some of my chefs have worked alongside me since I first arrived in Dubai 15 years ago. Furthermore, the legacy I value most is creating loyalty and a strong sense of family within the kitchen.
How does teaching and empowering chefs across different restaurants differ from training a single team in one kitchen?
For me, the principle remains the same, but working across a group provides a bigger advantage and broader perspective overall. Moreover, moving chefs between concepts exposes them to diverse cuisines, techniques and environments, accelerating their development and professional growth significantly. Furthermore, this approach keeps chefs motivated, challenged and constantly learning while strengthening their skills across multiple kitchens consistently.
How do you ensure each restaurant tells its own story while reflecting your culinary philosophy?
When diners visit any of my restaurants, they can recognize my underlying culinary philosophy consistently reflected in every detail and preparation. At the same time, the character of the food is refined carefully, preserving authenticity, quality and the integrity of each dish fully. Moreover, my influence may appear across multiple brands, yet each concept maintains its own unique and distinct story confidently.
