Making it big in the retail world with Hassan Ezzeldine, CEO of Spinneys
Having entered the retail space with a convenience store, Hassan Ezzeldine is now at the helm Lebanon’s supermarket powerhouse Spinneys. In an exclusive interview with Hospitality News ME, he describes the company’s formidable position amid challenging market conditions, what drives him as a leader and why he’s optimistic about the future.
La dolce vita with world gelato master Eugenio Morrone
Having earned his place in the Gelato Festival World Ranking’s Hall of Fame, gelato master Eugenio Morrone knows what it takes to make the best Italian ice cream. Earlier this year, he guided the juniors to victory in the World Pastry Championship at SIGEP, where he proudly managed the Italian teams. We spoke with Morrone at the renowned dolce, gelato and coffee event, which took place at Fiera di Rimini from January 20-25, 2023, to hear about his rise to the top and what’s trending in gelato.
A theatrical dining experience with Antonio Lopez
With a mantra of “life is short, do what you love,” Antonio Lopez, Teatro Restaurant’s executive sous chef, did just that. He left a career in engineering to pursue his passion for culinary arts, finding his place at Rotana Abu Dhabi’s star restaurant. Here, he gives us a glimpse into Teatro and what makes it such a phenomenal success.
A Jun’s breeze with chef Kelvin Cheung
Kelvin Cheung, a celebrated Chinese-Canadian chef and partner at Jun’s, spent his early years exploring flavors. In an exclusive interview with HN, the third-generation chef discusses how he spent the majority of his youth preparing for a life of travel and working with Asian foods in foreign kitchens.
Pastel vibes with Karim Jaber
Karim Jaber’s love of soft colors led him to found Pastel, a cosmopolitan brasserie and bar in the beating heart of Beirut. We discover more about the concept.
Wine moments with Georges J. Daou
Having shifted from electrical engineering to winemaking, Georges J. Daou, founder and owner of DAOU Vineyards and Winery in Paso Robles, California, has followed an unusual path. Here, we learn how the Lebanese entrepreneur has achieved his goal of creating wines of unfathomable purity.
Deciphering Ennismore’s DNA with Chadi Farhat
Never afraid to step outside his comfort zone, Chadi Farhat, global brand COO and head of Middle East and Asia Pacific at Ennismore, gives us the lowdown on the firm’s activities and what’s coming up.
View from the top with Eleni Tsolakou, GM of Park Rotana and Park Arjaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi
As general manager of Park Rotana and Park Arjaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi, Eleni Tsolakou knows what it takes to lead a team. We spoke with the seasoned hotelier to find out what’s trending in the hospitality landscape.
Taking the lead with Mark Patten, senior VP of food & beverage at The First Group
An internationally award-winning chef and highly respected food and beverage operations specialist, Mark Patten is leading The First Group’s fast-growing F&B division. His track record in creating successful, cutting-edge F&B concepts in the UAE, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Singapore and the UK is a testament to his optimism, hard work, hands-on attitude and entrepreneurial spirit. Here, Patten tells us more about the group’s expansion.
5 minutes with Jordanian top chef Ali Ghzawi
In an exclusive interview with Hospitality News ME, Ali Ghzawi, Jordanian patron chef of Alee restaurant and former winner of MBC Arabia’s Top Chef (2019), shares his story and ambitions for the future.
