Page 24 - #185 October 2023

COVER STORY - CHOTTO MATTE
THE WORLD’S ONLY GLOBAL RETAIL AND LEISURE MAGAZINE

www.rli.uk.com OCTOBER 2023 ISSUE 185

GLOBAL FOCUS
CHOTTO MATTE
A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
MAJID AL FUTTAIM LIFESTYLE ELEVENTY PAN PACIFIC HOTELS GROUP 185
A Springboard to Timeless Heritage, Hospitality with
Success Dynamic Progress Heart
MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA | RETAIL MARKETPLACES | SALSA JEANS | STATE OF PLAY HOSPITALITY

A Unique Experience

Created back in 2013 and celebrating the best of authentic and innovative cuisine,
Chotto Matte restaurants are set in stylish and contemporary architectural spaces, in
the world’s most inspirational cities. Here, RLI spends some time with Founder and
Owner Kurt Zdesar to learn more about the journey the company has been on and
how the concept continues to evolve and push the boundaries of the restaurant scene.
ffering a dining setting unlike anything else on the market, sites in London, UK, Miami Beach in Florida, US, Toronto in Canada
Chotto Matte displays urban flair and avant-garde design and the recently opened Doha site in Qatar. These sites were chosen
Ofeatures to deliver an unforgettable ambience that is both because they are strategically located to introduce the Chotto Matte
vibrant and electric. From the theatrics of the sushi counter and concept to diverse and vibrant dining scenes in global gateway cities.
flaming robata grill, to live entertainment and DJs, the concept offers Looking forward, Kurt highlights the exciting pipeline they have in-
visitors a wholly immersive experience that will stay with them long store, most notably the San Francisco rooftop restaurant which they
after the meal finishes. almost finished and that is set to open its doors to the public on 21
“Over the last ten years, the journey with Chotto Matte has been an October, offering a breathtaking dining experience and panoramic views
exhilarating one,” explains Kurt Zdesar, Founder and Owner. “We began of the city.
with a vision of a restaurant experience that brought art, music, design “Following this opening, we are eagerly awaiting the openings of our
and fashion together under one roof whilst showcasing the evolution Riyadh, Saudi Arabia location in mid-2024, Philadelphia, US later in 2024
of Nikkei cuisine, which has developed over the past century century and Manchester, UK in 2025. If everything goes to plan, we look forward
through the influence of Japanese migrants who creatively incorporated to further showcasing our dedication to offering a unique and exquisite
local ingredients into their culinary traditions.” dining experience rooted in the evolution of Nikkei cuisine.”
Over the years, the menu has been refined; the business has expanded Even with global expansion on the horizon, the business continues to
its presence and continuously strived to offer a unique and memorable constantly explore the possibility of new markets and regions where the
dining experience that pays homage to this rich culinary history. Chotto Matte concept could thrive, as Kurt mentions that while their
When first starting out, Kurt highlights that they faced the challenge of focus is on Riyadh at present, they are very much open to the possibility
introducing a completely new concept rooted in the evolution of Nikkei of expanding further in the future to bring their experience to more
cuisine to the market. He goes onto say that adapting their cuisine to food enthusiasts than ever before.
local tastes, building brand recognition and gaining the trust of customers Designed as an immersive offering, the company has always had
were all initial hurdles that they overcame through relentless dedication, its customer’s needs and wants front and centre. With this in mind,
creativity and listening closely to customer’s feedback. their approach to customer engagement revolves around providing a
The five locations that they operate to date are Soho and Marylebone personalised experience. They take the time to understand the local