Ayman Baky, the CEO and Founder of Baky Hospitality Group, is an industry pioneer with over 18 years of experience in the hospitality business. He has an extensive track record in the operations of many renowned outlets. As the company’s founder, his responsibilities encompass business development and creating a positive and collaborative work environment. Ayman shares that he starts his day with reading the Bible and working out, which sets a positive tone for the rest of his day and helps him stay focused and energized.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between Fortunes Time and Ayman Baky:
Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace.
I have always been passionate and dedicated to the hospitality industry, since before I can remember. From introducing the party scene in my university years to creating a company that now has three restaurants ranked in MENA’S 50 Best, I am proud of my accomplishments but have remained humble and patient throughout it all. My dedication to this field is unwavering as I strive to continue innovating new ideas that will help further advance this ever-growing industry. Outside of work, I am equally dedicated to my personal life. I am a sports enthusiast and enjoy staying active. Whether it’s hitting the gym or playing a game of tennis, I find that physical activity helps me stay focused and energized. Additionally, I love to unwind in the evenings by enjoying a delicious meal paired with a nice glass of wine. It’s the perfect way for me to relax and recharge.
Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company?
It all began during my university days, when I discovered my passion for organizing underground parties. I found myself drawn to the excitement and energy of creating memorable experiences for people.
After a few years of honing my skills and gaining valuable experience, I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. I decided to take a leap of faith and open my own small neighborhood bar and lounge in Zamalek. To ensure the success of my venture, I partnered with one of the most reputable chefs at the time.
Starting my own business was not without its challenges. I faced obstacles such as unsuccessful partnerships and unfavorable market conditions. However, my unwavering passion for hospitality kept me motivated throughout the journey. I was determined to create a space where people could come together, relax, and enjoy themselves. My experiences have opened many doors and allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and excited for what the future holds.
Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start?
It all started back in 2013, when I made the decision to transition from the nightlife scene to creating a more family-friendly atmosphere. I wanted to introduce fine dining to Cairo and provide the ultimate hospitality experience for our guests.
We began with the opening of Sachi, an 80-seat restaurant located in an upscale neighborhood of Cairo. From there, we’ve experienced tremendous growth and now operate multiple award-winning restaurants, including Kazoku, Sachi Restaurants, Shinko, Reif Kushiyaki, Megumi, and Lexie’s. Each of these establishments offers a wide range of cuisine and styles, catering to our guests’ diverse tastes.
Our main focus is on providing exceptional service and creating memorable experiences that will keep our customers coming back time after time.
What has made you successful? What do you value?
Our success can be attributed to a combination of factors. We place a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, ensuring that each and every customer feels valued and taken care of. Quality and attention to detail are also key components of our success, as we strive to deliver the best service possible.
Which are the major services of the company, and how does the company get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide?
At Baky Hospitality Group, we pride ourselves on offering a range of dining experiences that are designed to be unforgettable. From our fine dining establishments to our more casual concepts, we strive to provide our guests with a variety of cuisines to choose from. Our restaurants specialize in contemporary Japanese and modern Italian cuisine, and we are always exploring new concepts and ideas to keep our guests engaged and coming back for more. In fact, we are currently working on exciting new additions such as Baky Catering and Baky Hotels.
As for the value-added services we provide, I believe the value-added services are the one-to-one relationships our team has with our clients, truly embodying the company’s mission of always having guests feel like extended family.
What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture?
At Baky Hospitality, we believe that humility, integrity, and a commitment to excellence are the cornerstones of our company culture. We strive to create an environment where our team members feel respected and supported in their efforts while working together towards shared goals. Our focus on these core values allows us to foster collaboration between all levels of the organization, ensuring that everyone is empowered with a sense of ownership over their work and its outcome. We take pride in providing an atmosphere where individuals can grow professionally through hard work and dedication as we continue striving for excellence every day.
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company?
At Baky Hospitality Group, innovative ideas are critical to our success, and we encourage our team members to think outside the box and to introduce innovative ideas and creative solutions, along with exploring new approaches to enhance our offerings and improve the guest’s experience. In today’s fast-paced world, it is one of the biggest challenges to keep up with market trends as customers are constantly exposed to new experiences, which can lead them to change their needs and wants. It is our job to adapt to that in order to meet these demands so that we can remain competitive in this ever-changing landscape.
Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes?
I strongly believe that both individual heroics and team processes play a vital role in the success of an organization. Individuals can bring their unique skills, expertise, and knowledge to the table, while teams can collaborate together to achieve common goals and objectives. It is essential for organizations to have strong individuals who are able to share their knowledge with others as well as a cohesive team that works together towards achieving shared visions. Both individual heroics and team processes are important components of successful organizations; by complementing each other, they will help drive organizational success.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
For someone going into a leadership position for the first time, my advice is to always lead by example, listen to feedback from your team members, delegate tasks and responsibilities to them, and trust their abilities. Moreover, focus on building a positive and collaborative culture. It’s important to stay true to your values and vision, but also to be open to new ideas when presented. Above all, be humble, patient, passionate, and committed to what you do. If you put in the effort, then success will surely follow.
