Hospitality expert all set to serve up advice
An Auchterarderbased restaurant manager who has served a former US president and a number of Hollywood stars has set up his own hospitality consultancy – which could help a local business for free for up to a year.
Nikos Matsikas, currently general manager at Brasserie Ecosse in Dundee, is hoping to work with a range of different local businesses, from restaurants, hotels and bistros to pubs and cafes.
Through his consultancy ‘Restaurantology’, he aims to help business owners with the operational side of the sector.
Originally from Chicago and of Greek heritage, Nikos has worked at a senior level within the industry all over the world.
Time in the US saw him provide full hospitality services at former president Barack Obama’s preelection campaign dinner in Chicago in 2008.
Nikos has also looked after the likes of Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston, among many other famous faces.
In Chicago, he worked in a three- star Michelin restaurant and, while in
Greece, spearheaded a luxury five-star resort.
After moving to Scotland, Nikos has since occupied senior food and beverage management roles at both Gleneagles Hotel and the City of Discovery’s Malmaison.
In addition, he was instrumental in setting up a training academy within Brasserie Ecosse – which continues to train several Dundonian youngsters to a five-star standard in front of house roles.
And now the experienced operator is looking to give back to local hospitality businesses in need.
Nikos said: “I’ve been very fortunate to work in some amazing establishments in my career so far.
“The hospitality sector can open so many doors and lead to a very rewarding career in beautiful locations.
“I’m really enjoying my time in Scotland at Brasserie Ecosse, and want to give something back to my industry.
“I’d like to think that my knowledge and experience could be useful to hospitality businesses of all sizes as we recover from this terrible pandemic which has brought our industry to its knees.
“Ma n y h o s p i t a l i t y businesses will sadly have closed.
“But for those that remain open, my concern is that there will be a skills shortage across all levels, particularly in management.
“Experienced management level is essential to not only steer the business to profit, but to bring on youngsters and ensure they get the proper training.”
Nikos said he hoped that new restaurants and cafes would still have the confidence to launch this year, but that he was aware they may not be able to afford to employ the most experienced staff.
“It’s a fledgling business like this that could potentially get the very most out of using my consultancy services free of charge,” he added.
“As I still work at Brasserie Ecosse and rema i n committed to them, I would be looking to help a business outwith Dundee, so one in Perthshire would be ideal and I’m open to all offers.
“I’m viewing it all as a positive opportunity and want to build towards a sustained recovery in 2021/22.”
Nikos can be contacted through Linkedin at www. linkedin. com/ in/ nmatsikas/ or by going to www.restaurantology.co.uk.