Brief profile Giedo Veenstra
What brought you to Zurich Convention Center?
The Convention Center is an institution with an international reputation – that’s reason enough to choose it. My new role also combines everything I enjoy doing, by which I mean running a restaurant, catering and doing the food and drink for events big and small, with menus covering everything from bratwurst to caviar.
Is there anything that’s particularly important to you in your new position?
Everyone should feel at home here – that’s my aim. To achieve it, we’re committed to providing excellent service and the best regional produce, which means it’s good for the environment too.
How were your first few days?
I’m still in my first few days! [laughs] Many people have been looking forward to meeting me and have been coming to me with a host of questions, such as the kitchen fitter, potential suppliers and our team of advisors. I’m really happy to be getting stuck into everything now and to be a part of this team.
«Everyone should feel at home here – that’s my aim.»
What will you be doing this time next year?
We’ll probably be in the middle of evaluating how the opening phase has gone and fine-tuning our processes based on this initial experience.
What’s on your to-do list before you open?
I’ll mainly be devising the concept for the restaurant, the banqueting suite and refreshments during breaks, but I’ll also be advising on modifications to the construction work, choosing and managing suppliers and finalising our culinary offering.
What are you most looking forward to?
When we open our doors next summer, of course, and our guests are wowed by our fantastic terrace for the first time. I’m also very much looking forward to meeting the staff who’ll be starting with us over the next few months and to raising a toast with the whole team after our first-ever event.
Factfile
Name: Giedo Veenstra
Position: Chief Culinary Officer, member of management
Age: 37
Nationality: Dutch, has lived in Switzerland since 2005
