Passion is key to a thriving business, but it is not the only element needed for a long-term success.
Sam uses his passion, experience, business acumen and extensive contacts to teach his clients how to run a profitable and successful business. He has opened cafes around Sydney and has overcome many of the common issues owners face. He has experience from the design and build of a café right through to the menu and operations.
His unique perspective as both a chef and business owner allows him to provide a whole-of-business approach to set up a business to excel in all areas.
Sam’s passion for sharing his food started well before he opened his first café. It began in his mother’s kitchen in the north of Lebanon and was fuelled by his desire to learn about flavours and bring joy to others. Quality has always been essential for Sam, and throughout his career he has worked hard to source his ingredients from premium suppliers. He lives by the mantra that only if the quality is high enough to serve to his wife and three boys, then it is suitable to serve to a customer.
Sam’s knowledge of quality products cultivated from his first move into hospitality, a deli dedicated to his son, Jacob. Jacob’s Delicious Deli Café opened in 2007 and saw Sam master the art of coffee under the guidance of Gabriel coffee founder, Sam Gabrielian. The deli allowed Sam to explore and sample specialty products and build relationships with their suppliers.
Today, Sam is able to link his clients with these tried-and-tested suppliers, ensuring their food is of utmost quality.
In 2010, Sam burst onto the café scene with the opening of Hangry in Rozelle. Hangry quickly gained momentum, attracting locals on the hunt for the perfectly brewed coffee paired with tasty cuisine. Hangry served modern Middle Eastern cuisine and Sam used the café to experiment with the flavours he learnt about in his mother’s kitchen and develop his signature cooking style. The popularity of Hangry, backed by Sam’s passion, knowledge and creativity led to the café being sold two years later to open his next venture, Grounds Keeper Café.
The first Grounds Keeper Café opened in Ryde in 2013 after Sam identified an opportunity to transform a space abandoned by its prior operator into a vibrant, hidden gem. His tenacity and consistent approach to business has seen the brand grow and evolve. Today, Grounds Keeper Café is located in Blacktown’s Francis Park, serving a Middle Eastern fusion menu, paired with perfectly brewed Gabriel coffee. The café’s ingredients are sourced directly from premium suppliers and the food adheres to Sam’s high standard of quality.
Grounds Keeper Café has well-trained, longstanding staff who are experienced, professional, and provide a reliable local service. The café holds true to Sam’s concept of “hidden gems” and is tucked away in the park. It boasts wall-to-ceiling windows showcasing panoramic views of a large children’s playground and waterpark, green open spaces and is overlooking a creek.
The Grounds Keeper brand has evolved into a multi-faceted business, and alongside its café offering also hosts functions ranging from engagements to birthdays and corporate events.
The company also provides offsite catering for private and corporate events.
