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FOOD & BEVERAGE CONSULTANCY, DESIGN AND MANAGMENT SPECIALIST FIRM FOUNDED IN FEBRUARY 2010 AND BASED IN DUBAI - U.A.E.
WE CREATE A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE THAT GENERATES A SENSATION OF PROFOUND SATISFACTION, RESULTING IN HIGHER AVERAGE SPENDS AND INCREASED CUSTOMER LOYALTY
ELMAR PICHORNER
MANAGING FOUNDER &
PRINCIPAL
As Founding Partner and Principal of Atelier EPJ, Elmar Pichorner brings over 40 years of experience in hospitality strategy, F&B management, and concept development. His career spans Austria, China, Madeira, Indonesia, Mauritius, and Dubai. In Dubai, he was part of the Kerzner Development team, helping realize iconic projects such as the One&Only resorts worldwide and Atlantis, The Palm.
Later, he collaborated with Rainer Becker on Zuma Dubai and La Petite Maison, gaining deep expertise in freestanding lifestyle destinations. Driven by a lifelong passion for F&B, Elmar continues to lead high-profile hospitality developments globally.
LEW KATHREPTIS
ASSOCIATE
As an associate at Atelier EPJ, Lew brings over 30 years of experience in F&B master planning, restaurant development, and hospitality strategy. He has collaborated with leading hotel groups, developers, and industry stakeholders to create successful dining and hospitality concepts across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. A former award-winning chef, Lew’s expertise in concept creation, large-scale F&B strategy, and operational execution has helped develop standout hospitality brands, seamlessly blending vision, culture, and business success in competitive global markets.
VLAD GELEV
ASSOCIATE
Vlad is a F&B Operations Specialist and Lifestyle Destination Management veteran who’s career in the industry started in the UK in the nineties and eventually brought him to the Middle East to oversee the operations of some of the most iconic F&B lifestyle venues in Dubai including The Act, Blue Marlin Beach Club, Qbara, Hotel Cartagena and many others. Vlad brings not only vast operations experience and knowledge of the ‘terroir’ to any F&B project but also a refreshing high-energy approach that never fails to inspire and excite.