“Off the Cuff” is a Q&A series from Luxury Daily exploring the career paths, current projects and next steps of those shaping the world’s best luxury brands.
The interviews feature a Proust-style twist, allowing readers to get to know industry leaders on a personal level. This edition features Nicolas Budzynski, CEO of La Petite Maison restaurants.
In this Q&A, Mr. Budzynski discusses an "aha" moment leading to the restaurant business, the value of exclusivity and why less really is more.
Here is the dialogue:
What was your first job ever? What did it teach you?
My first job was a management trainee at the Burj Al Arab hotel (a Jumeirah hotel) in Dubai back in 2006.
I freshly graduated from the Institute Paul Bocuse (now Institute LYFE) in Lyon in France and the Burj Al Arab was the best hotel in the world at the time. I thought working for the best would be the best for me, however, I also understood that there was a lot of hierarchy and not much value for me to add as a young professional.
It taught me what I did not want, and I was lucky to get the support of the training manager of the hotel, and of the hotel GM at the time, to allow me to transfer to the restaurant division of Jumeirah Group. The rest is history.
Which skills have been critical to your success? Did you gain these skills within or outside of the workplace?
Flexibility and being solution driven have been key to always progress and add value to the business I was working for. My overthinking, in general, also forced me to work really hard and be as prepared as possible for any potential unexpected matter.
I probably gained those skills from my childhood and education, but they got reinforced during my career. Rather than thinking about the problem, I have always worked in environments where solutions were needed to improve the business.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Less is more. Do less, but better - simple, but quite efficient.
I learned this from Ajaz Sheikh, who was my superior at Zuma, when I used to work for the company back in 2014 to 2018 in both Istanbul and Hong Kong. He always had the eye for detail and the capacity to identify the critical action to take to contribute greatly to the business.
I use this as often as possible. Somehow people like to overcomplicate things to sound or feel important, and it is a real skill to get to the point as fast as possible.
How has your field changed since you started out in luxury, and what do you think your industry will look like in a decade?
I feel luxury was quite niche and inaccessible 20 years ago. However, I feel it has now become quite mass-market.
New technologies and social media are probably responsible for this, as everyone is aware of almost everything nowadays. The ultra-luxury is being defined, and luxury will have to get elevated with experiences that are accessible to only few.
Craftsmanship will come back to fashion, as it is becoming more rare. The feeling of “feeling better” will also become luxury, either through mindset or quietness (being exclusive to only a few who know).
What recent projects have ignited your passion for working in luxury?
My current mindset and self-questioning is focusing on how our high-end restaurant industry will evolve in the years to come.
Like for luxury goods, luxury dining has become quite mass-market and bold with a focus on entertainment. This is not my taste, but this is the trend, and I am curious to understand how things will unfold moving forward, especially since alcohol consumption is decreasing, which may have a strong impact on entertainment and party atmosphere.
Who, in any industry or sphere, would you most like to share a long lunch with and where would you take them?
Stephen Starr, for sure.
As an intern back in 2003, I used to work for Chef George Perrier in Philadelphia at Brasserie Perrier. Stephen Starr had already opened Buddakan, Morimoto and several other concepts all different from one another, and all very popular, with a consistent attention to quality.
I have always been fascinated buy his capability to hit home runs for each of his new openings. I would love to understand his journey, his difficulties as a restauranteur and entrepreneur, and his advice on how to continue making the industry evolve.
How do you get into the right mindset before a big meeting or presentation?
The most important thing is to define objectives of the meeting and anticipate what could go wrong. I am an overthinker, which is quite tiring, however, very helpful to prepare important discussions.
On your days off, what can you be found doing to relax or have some fun?
The last few years have been pretty much focused on work and, due to our locations being in U.S., Europe, Middle East and Asia (Hong Kong), I did not have much time for leisure, to be honest.
I am now trying to be better organized to spend time with my wife and two daughters, being the proper husband and daddy I should be. The next step will be looking at a sports activity to relieve stress and keep healthier.
What does luxury mean to you?
The feeling of not worrying and being at ease - but also being surprised.
Whether a product or service/experience, what is your favorite luxury indulgence?
Dining out and spa treatments, along with travel when I can fully disconnect for some time.
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