Words by Sammy Hemmings and Omer Gazit-Shalev
Photography by Havana Club
At: London
"In the last 10 years in hospitality I've found my passion and strength," says Omer Gazit-Shalev, founder of Tel-Aviv Cocktail Week and director of international development at Israel's hospitality group The Bellboy Group. "I have faced many challenges and learned that through developing my teammates and a sparkle of optimism and innovation anything can be achieved."
Omer continues to develop the Tel-Aviv Cocktail Week. "We've shifted our vision as festivals seem like a distant reality," he explains. "Currently we are offering to-the-door drinking experiences which include whisky tastings, cocktail making and more. My vision is to grow this business to improve the wine & spirits knowledge in Israel, as well as enrich our offering with other categories and offerings." Tel-Aviv Cocktail Week now also provides production services for the likes of Pernod Ricard and Diageo in Israel, a strong move for the event.
Yet, like many entrepreneurs, there were challenges to get the project off the ground. "First, we had no production experience whatsoever, and we aimed to produce a festival for over 1,500 participants, which included sales, registration, ID verification and wristband collection points," Omer says. "We had to convince enough bars to join this new initiative...and lastly, we needed money." Happily, the festival saw success with dozens of bars involved, and 1,500 participants, and continued their success through to their second year in 2019.
From one success to another, Omer is also optimistic about The Bellboy Group's future, the hospitality group that owns and operates six venues in Israel, including 223, Bellboy and Fantastic. "The Bellboy Group continues to spearhead the Israeli drinking scene, and has survived the Covid crisis," he says. "My vision is to turn the group into an international player, which focuses on delivering an immersive drinking and eating experience."
With 150 employees and 10 direct reports, The Bellboy Group (formerly Monkey Business Group) is growing into an impressive empire. Beyond Israel, the group will be opening their first international venue in Berlin in 2021.
What drives Omer? "I love delivering great experiences. Nothing satisfies me more than a good review the day after a guest's visit," he says. "I am passionate about promoting the new generation of service professionals through training, mentorship and coaching."
"I am also a very competitive person, and strive to be the best whatever I do – competitions, financial results or guest satisfaction are my bread and butter," Omer adds.
An entrepreneur who is persistent and passionate, Omer's confidence in the industry remains strong. "Even at times like these, where Cocktail Week has no future date, and our venues are at high risk, I remain optimistic, and am confident that our industry will return even stronger, and a bit different than before," he says.
