Hashem catches up with Tom Arnel, founder of EatX and the man behind some of the most successful dining concepts in Dubai, including The Sum of Us, Common Grounds, Harvest & Co, Byron Bather’s Club, HawkerBoi, and The Guild at DIFC.
Known for constantly trying to push the envelope in the F&B industry, Tom candidly discusses his journey as an entrepreneur and how he now manages its day-to-day operations whilst balancing being present for his family. Tom provides a glimpse of the early, pioneering days when he set out to build his first concept, Tom&Serg, what it’s like to add ten restaurant venues in a single year, and the fun of raising "Dubai'' kids with their Australian-British-American twang!
We also have a bonus episode with Tom talking about pivoting the concept behind The Guild, his new 20,000 sq. ft. space in DIFC while facing a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic.
Links:
- Natasha Sideris on taming ambition, striving for balance as a restaurateur, and why there’s no way she’ll open in Greece.
- Ayman Baky on grit, perseverance in the F&B industry, and reshaping Egypt’s restaurant culture.
- Tom Arnel on Tales of the Trade with Chirag Desai
