“I try to remember often that this is the greatest experience of my life” Tom Arnel on the thrill of building purposeful spaces and managing stress in a high-level role

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