When the team works, the dream works.
Ghazel Mahel Sdn Bhd
(The Olive Tree Group)
Food & Beverage Industry
11-01, Level 11, Menara Hap Seng, Jalan P Ramlee, 50250,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +603 2022 2857
www.theolivetreegroup.com
Career Highlights
2003
- Founded Ghazel Mahel Sdn Bhd (now known as Sutraa Kitchen + Bar).
2017
- The SEBA Premier Edition: Entrepreneur – Visionary Leadership.
2018
- The BrandLaureate SMEs BestBrands Awards 2018, Hapa Most Driven Entrepreneur 2018.
2019
- The BrandLaureate SMEs Brandpreneurship Award 2019.
Outstanding Category
Leslie Gomez
Managing Director & Founder
Founder and Executive Director of The Olive Tree Group, Leslie Gomez has established himself as a pioneer within the Malaysian hospitality industry since arriving in Malaysia in the year 2000.
Following a couple of years of experience in India’s leading hotel chain, The Taj, Leslie Gomez embarked on a career of a few years as an operation manager with a prominent hospitality group in Malaysia. He then made the move to establish his own restaurant business in 2003 and has since seen the growth and the diversification of the organisation.
With the introduction of The Olive Tree Group in the year 2003, Leslie Gomez launched the company and has guided it from strength to strength and now heads the group as Founder and Executive Director. By getting international chefs mainly from India and local chefs; has further served Leslie’s reputation of bringing authentic cuisine with superior quality and service to the Malaysian landscape.
Setting his roots in Changkat, Bukit Bintang, Leslie Gomez started his empire with the introduction of Ghazal Mahel, now known as Sutraa Kitchen + Bar. Back in the days, there were mainly a few restaurants, a handful of small bars and a 7-11. The expansion did have its highs and lows as some outlets withstood the test of time.
Amongst the challenges, Sutraa Kitchen + Bar has managed to prevail in Changkat, Bukit Bintang for the past 10 years. Under Leslie’s management and guidance, the group has expanded to over 18 outlets with 400+ employees. He has spread his wings across the peninsula by establishing outlets in Penang, Malacca and Johor. Leslie Gomez envisions an overseas expansion soon across the strait in Singapore.
“Under Leslie’s management and guidance, the group has expanded to over 18 outlets with 400+ employees. He has spread his wings across the peninsula by establishing outlets in Penang, Malacca and Johor. Leslie Gomez envisions an overseas expansion soon across the strait in Singapore.”
Today, The Olive Tree Group is now recognised as one of Malaysia’s places to not only relax with a few drinks but also a place where one could have a proper dining experience. As the Founder and Executive Director of the company, Leslie Gomez has been approached regularly by local media for industry comments, write-ups and quotes.
Leslie Gomez has led the company to establish themselves with high recognition in the business world with many accolades and awards from travel magazine companies. From 2003-2019, the company has been awarded the distinction as one of the best places to visit, eat and drink with several awards under his belt, the many restaurants and bars have also been awarded by Trip Advisor as a good place to have amazing Northern Indian Food. Gastro-sports bar like Rock Bottom has been listed on social media as the place to be, to have the full package at your fingertips for an amazing night out.
As the business is developing nationally, standing at 18 outlets at present, Leslie Gomez hopes to soon develop his brands “Rock Bottom and Rockafellers” internationally and grow his business from there. He believes that people all over the world should see and enjoy the amazing combinations of Northern Indian Cuisine/gastro-sports bar concept.
Success Formula
Leslie Gomez prides himself on how far along he has come and how far he aspires to go, he has the self-belief in the brand and the organisation. His success formula can be broken down to this: 1) Brainstorm Ideas 2) Attempt 3) Learn from mistakes 4) Improvise on idea 5) Execute plan 6) Learn from others 7) Improvise again 8) Success! Leslie Gomez holds to an old school style of management that is rooted in fine dining and hospitality which has worked out well for him in the expansion of the group.
Future Plans
Leslie’s vision is to make The Olive Tree Group the ultimate entertainment destination, as well as the ideal location for events or gatherings, with a dedicated team of friendly and obliging staff who strive for perfection in catering to our guests every want and need. His mission is to specialize in the development of fine and quality dining experience throughout Malaysia. Leslie Gomez’s one piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs would be to “Do what you love and love what you do”.