Changing the World Through the Power of Food
Seeing one of my favorite people in the Family Office world Sam Bakshandehpour last week was such a treat ! He joined José Andrés Group (“JAG”) as President and board member in 2020, when he was faced with one of the greatest challenges of his career. Plagued by plunging revenues during the pandemic, he and his team reimagined the company.
In the process, they revamped their business plan to offer a delivery service for the first time. As a part of the transformation, the company also launched José Andrés Media (“JAM”), which produces scripted and unscripted food-related content for a variety of media, as well as an e-commerce consumer products platform, José Andrés Foods. All of a sudden, you have restaurants, media content, and e-commerce, and the trifecta which created a flywheel. Sam has also helped create a vehicle to make investments in food which help to promote the health and wellness benefits of proper nutrition. Recently led a high level discussion with numerous family offices in Detroit with the theme “Food is Medicine” which received great insights from Sam and Matt Slaughter who are leading this effort for JAG. Howard Eisenberg the third part of this proverbial dream team was with us in spirit. Jose recently was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts with World Central Kitchen. Words won’t do justice to the amount of good this group is doing for the world in so many ways.
Determined to expand JAG’s offerings, the company has since debuted several new experiences including the following: 1) the Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad; 2) Zaytinya, a Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese-inspired restaurant offering mezze-style cuisine; 3) a chic rooftop bar called Nubeluz; and the latest outpost of the Spanish-inspired Bazaar by José Andrés. Today, there are 20 restaurant brands in 36 locations across 9 markets.
After graduating from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business in Washington, DC, he joined JP Morgan Securities’ investment banking department, running the firm’s Global Casino and West Coast Real Estate & Lodging Investment Banking practice. Sam has been a pioneer helping to marry hospitality and real estate in unique and innovative ways. Have had so many amazing culinary experiences with Sam who with his team at JAG are truly using the power of food to change the world.
Sam, needless to say, it’s time to get a Jose Andres restaurant in Detroit. One cannot ever have enough options for “hummus.” 😊
Julia Child said it best. “The best people are the ones who love to eat.”
Director of Corporate Affairs at Lidl US
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