Today's guest is Gaetano Guarducci of Sant Ambroeus Hospitality Group. Gaetano grew up in the restaurant business that his father, Gherardo Guarducci, co-founded in 2003, and has been working for the family business since graduating from university. The New York-based group comprises 29 restaurants across 3 brands - Sant Ambroeus, Felice, and Casa Lever - and is opening 3 to 4 restaurants per year with the backing of Italian British private equity fund Three Hills Capital. Sant Ambroeus, in particular, is unique in the way they combine Milanese tradition while embracing fashion & culture trends. They've done creative collaborations with brands such as Saint Laurent, The Attico, Alaia, Le Labo, and several others. It's part of their approach to maintaining longevity and desire throughout several market cycles, along with prioritizing consistency in the customer experience and the food.
Thank you Peoplevine for sponsoring this episode. Peoplevine is trusted by the best brands in the members club business. Book a free demo to see why at peoplevine.com.
This episode was recorded at NeueHouse Madison Square. NeueHouse is the premier work space in NYC and LA for those in the creative industries. Use code THESTANZA for a special offer when applying for your membership.
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Interview Highlights:
- Longevity in the restaurant sector
- Growing up in the hospitality business
- Insights from the pandemic era
- Why does Sant Ambroeus have a creative director?
- Collaborating with fashion brands
- The origin story of Sant Ambroeus as a Milanese pastry shop
- "Selling pasta to Italians" & doing business in Europe as an American company
- Key details considered in restaurant design & operations
- Operating seasonal locations in Aspen & East Hampton
- Raising capital from private equity
- Balancing brand preservation and private equity expectations
- Why haven't they expanded into members clubs?
- Gaetano's vision for SAHG as the next gen leadership
