Episode #51 Meet Simon Gloftis Simon’s journey in Hospitality started in the early days as a teenager selling corn on the cob at the markets, what started as a little side job turned into a very successful business, selling over one thousand corn on the cobs in one day, earning more than some adults would earn in a week. That market stall helped him understand business, people and working with suppliers. At the age of 21, Simon bought a run down cafe in Nobbys beach, and created one of the first genuine espresso bars in The Gold Coast, he went on to open two more successful cafes Little bean and Piccolo. 10 years later Simon opened Hellenika also in nobbys beach. Hellenika is often referred to as one of the first to move the Gold Coast dining scene into an exciting new direction, Introducing share menus, set menus for bigger groups and food Gold Coast never seen before. Hellenika helped put Simon’s name on the hospitality map, he would later open the Fish house and Nineteen at the star. Later Selling all venues to focus on Hellenika Brisbane in The Calile hotel. Hellenika Brisbane has been an unbelieveable success. People travelling all around Australia to stay at The Calile and to eat at Hellenika. Simon also owns SK steak and oyster within the same precinct and is about to open Sushi room and Sunshine which is a project he says is the most important project of his life. I was blown away by Simon’s amazing work ethic, love for Hospitlaity, people and culture, strong focus on high quality produce and creating the best guest experience.