Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1105939
18.04.19 11 INTERVIEW 2018 and 2019 – we won practically all the rewards available in the restau- rant sector. Moreover, one of our chefs, Jonathan Vassallo, won the Best Chef award last year, while our restaurant manager Janica Schembri won Best Manager. What challenges does the sector face? ere are now a large number of res- taurants in Malta. If you take Valletta, for instance, there are over 200 restau- rants in the capital city. Some small restaurants find it hard to make it and have to close down shortly after they open. Regarding your wider business ventures – how did you get started in the property sector? I started out on my own, from noth- ing. I bought my first property, in terms of business, when I was 17. Sub- sequently, I started progressing in the sector, going from strength to strength. Are you still involved in the Metropolis project in Gzira with Jalal Husni Bey? Is it still on? It is still on. But I should make it clear that this is my business partner Jalal Husni Bey's project. e project is still in Mr Husni Bey's mind, but we are waiting to find the right contractor to carry it out. ere is so much develop- ment work going on that it can be hard to find the contractor which is best suited to deliver your project. What other business ventures or projects are you involved in? My core business remains property – the restaurants venture came later. I buy and sell a number of properties, and I've recently also become one of the partners for RE/MAX South. Even- tually, I plan to expand my role as a landlord. I've arrived at a stage where I'm an all-rounder now – I am interest- ed in all types of businesses. What advice would you give to a person who might just be starting out? e most important thing is to never give up, and to dream. If I had to look at what drives me; I enjoy setting up and closing a deal, I am positive, and I think being honest and a gentleman are key. Most of all, I strongly believe that what you do unto others will come back to you. I have no hate in me, and this is why I have achieved things. I'm a great believer in karma – I really stick to the concept, and have done so since I was a young boy. I'm also very grateful to my partner Celaine and my children Shana, Sky and Tishai – they give me the courage to keep striving forward, and making sure I provide a good life for them. Moreover, my dad, Nicholas, is someone I trust and can depend on, and he helps take care of different as- pects of my businesses. Eventually, I plan to expand my role as a landlord. I've arrived at a stage where I'm an all-rounder now – I am interested in all types of businesses