ST_MAY_LOW2

COVER STORY INTERVIEW
Re-evaluat e, create, be
BY MARTIN VELLA
ST: WHY ESTABLISH AND DEVELOP THE RESTAURANT
BUSINESS IN VALLETTA, AND NOT SLIEMA?
FG: Nowadays, Sliema and St. Julian’s are both considered as well
developed locations, so Valletta is the next locality with great setting to
be naturally targeted. Valletta offers a more relax environment place to
work, there is a lot of energy from everyone at the moment in the hotel,
leisure industry and retail industry. There is a lifestyle in Valletta; a mix of
business and pleasure atmosphere.
The project of Valletta 2018 was a massive success that officially lead to a
start-up of people knowing about our capital city and what we offer. This
year’s European capital of culture, Valletta 2018, has been in full swing
for the past years, is witnessing a renaissance and there is a sense of ‘feel
good factor’. Valletta is now known as a charming city by everyone, and it
offers a bright future ahead. This can be seen very clearly as many people
of a certain standard are investing in our city with boutique hotels and
opening other businesses. I am very glad that I am part of this outstanding
investment, crusading for continuous embellishment and contributing to
its further commercial and lifestyle development.
“it is one of the
most interesting
projects I ever
done”
ST: TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR LAST
INVESTMENT AND WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF
MANAGEMENT VENTURES BEING IMPLEMENTED IN
VALLETTA, AND WHAT ARE THEY OFFERING TO BE PART
OF THIS CAMPAIGN?
FG: The last project that I had was ‘Teatru Cafe’. This project came
through a tender that the government issued and I managed to secure.
Teatru Café is a coffee shop in a bar aimed to serve the public and also
the tourists. This idea came when we realised that when there’s an event
happening in the revamped old theatre centre, there was nowhere one
could go to enjoy a drink, coffee or a snack. That was the simple concept
that was behind the government drive to issue a tender for the F&B
cafeteria within the theatre space so it could be self-contained, including
eatery and refectory.
This has been an exciting project , drawing people from all over the world
to partake and enjoy an assortment of cultural events, and my next step
is to secure similar sites for same purpose, and harbouring my objective
to play a primary role in maintain embellishment of all the major
historical places that fall under my responsibility, mixing my own subtle
way of addressing and reflecting Malta's complex historical treasures by
restoring them to their magnificent beauty. It is my dream to surround
the area where Teatru Café stands, with stunning and attractive glass and
lighting through my l investment and long-term planning strategies.
ST: ARE YOU WORKING ON ANY PROJECTS AT THE
MOMENT?
FG: I just opened a small bar here in Valletta, called ‘City Lion’ and we
have another project coming up named ‘The Gut, which will be finished
by end of this year. ‘The Gut’ is a part of Strait Street in Valletta, and the
name is derived from the rowdiness of British and American military men
back in the heyday of what was a notorious hot spot. I am always aware
of what is happening in Valletta as I plan more projects along the way.
Personally, as Frank Grima, I am loving the ambience and aura which
Valletta creates. Apart from the business, there’s a different existence. A
lifestyle where you can meet a lot of people every day, where business
can be made in a restaurant instead of an office, so there is a business
and pleasure state of affairs.
The atmosphere of Valletta and St. Julians is very different. When I used
to work in St. Julians, it was very a stressful and hectic situation, unlike
Valletta. I was working 16-hour days, seven days a week and it nearly
killed me. I had no personal life. But if you want to work in the hospitality
industry, it's vocational, not something you do on the side.
6
Frank Grima
Frank Grima’s career has been interesting because he always
wanted to learn all the aspects of the restaurant business.
"You definitely have to have grease (passion) in your veins to
survive," confirms the veteran businessman and visionary behind
City Lounge Diner and Teatru Café. Grima’s mantra has been “Go
for it" and “don't be afraid”. Frank insists that, “If you believe in
yourself you can do anything. Dream big, why not, it's your life.
The more you connect with people the more exciting the dream
becomes.”MBR had a chance to interview the old-time business
impresario about the challenge of being a restaurant owner and
manager in the buzzing capital of Valletta, how to always try to
make your business better, and being the best you can.
Now Welcome The New Irish Pub (replacing The Plush St. Julians). Name: The Long Haul.