Describe yourself in one word
Doer.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your career?
Always give your best and never compromise your integrity.
Tell us your biggest strength
Success in hospitality requires multiple strengths, I’d say mine are making things happen and having a strong analytical as well as creative mind.
What has been your biggest mistake?
I should have involved Limor (my wife and current business partner) more during the preliminary stages of our Delamina journey. It would have made the process smoother; having not worked together previously, I didn’t make the most of her healthy business acumen and intuition.
What makes a good leader?
Leading by example, and making the team feel valued.
Who has had the biggest influence on your approach to business?
My father taught me that a ‘win-win’ approach is the optimal long-term business strategy. He believed that being fair, rather than ruthless, goes a long way in achieving business success.
How do you stay motivated?
Delivering a great product that I would enjoy as a customer and developing an amazing team.
How often do you check your email?
Too often!
How do you relax?
Exercise, planning and taking holidays.
What was your dream job growing up?
Running an airline!
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
My grandfather, a very wise man who lived to the grand old age of 101, always said that in life, being smart is more important than proving you’re right. He had very strong people skills and I often find myself referring to this principle.
What would you call your autobiography?
The Art of Multi-tasking: A Man’s View.
Do you have any business regrets?
I believe that mistakes are part of the journey to success, so no regrets.
Bio
Born in Tel Aviv, Chen studied BSc Economics at the London School of Economics & Political Science. His early career was in investment banking, working for Lehman Brothers in both London and New York. Then, in 2004 he entered the world of hospitality with the launch of fast casual sandwich chain Apostrophe, which grew to 23 sites before selling to contract caterer CH&CO in 2014. The following year, Chen, working with his wife Limor, launched the Delamina restaurant group. The husband-and-wife duo now operate three restaurants in London under the group: Delamina in Marylebone, Delamina East in Shoreditch, and the newly-launched Delamina Townhouse in Covent Garden.
