Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1105939
18.04.19 10 INTERVIEW You are known as a businessman in the property sector. What led you to open your restaurant Capo Crudo? My main business is in the property sector but I am also a food lover. For this reason, I eventually decided to open my own restaurant. Capo Crudo strives to be a restaurant which is at a higher level than the typical eatery in Malta, offering food and service which are of very good quality. In this way, the restaurant serves as the public im- age of my main business. How is business going in the restaurant sector in Malta? It's doing very well. When it comes to Capo Crudo, we have many regular clients, both locals and foreigners. I'm happy to say that we've had the pleas- ure of welcoming a number of celebri- ties since we opened in 2017, including e Chainsmokers, Jason Derulo, Il Volo, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, the South Korean boyband BTS, and, just a few days ago, Gianni Morandi. What would you say is the main factor behind the positive situation in the restaurant sector? And do you believe standards are high? e economy is doing well, and this has undoubtedly helped the restaurant business. ere are many restaurants on the island, and new ones open all the time. But the quality level overall is not so high, although it has definite- ly improved over the years. e sec- tor needs to continue upgrading, and I hope that new restaurants see Capo Crudo as a model for quality. Is there anything which inspires you when it comes to fine dining? One of my biggest inspirations is Pino Cuttaia, chef-patron of Ristorante La Madia in Licata, Sicily, which I think is the best restaurant in the world. Cut- taia is ranked as one of the top chefs globally, and has two Michelin stars to his name. I believe in the potential Sic- ily has, and Sicilians are the best cooks in my opinion. I visit the island very of- ten, mostly for the food, and I know it inside out. Would you say it is easy to set up business in Malta? e situation when it comes to set- ting up a business could be simplified. e process needs to be facilitated. We should have a more straightforward process to follow, instead of an ex- cessively bureaucratic one. Although, even here, things have improved. Is it easy to find staff in the catering sector? It's very hard to find and keep staff in this sector. I must say, however, that I am now very happy with the current staff I have. In fact, our restaurant and its staff received a raft of rewards in The joy of closing a deal, food quality and karma There are many restaurants on the island, and new ones open all the time. But the quality level overall is not so high, although it has definitely improved over the years Real estate entrepreneur and restaurateur Keith Seychell, owner of Capo Crudo, tells BUSINESS TODAY it's time to up the quality of service in Malta MASSIMO COSTA