The man who set the benchmark for Southeast Asian steakhouses

​While many foreign restaurateurs in this part of the world struggle to even pay rent and salaries, Dany Himi has successfully launched one El Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse after another and has plans to open more in the near future. His six restaurants in Vietnam and four in Thailand employ around 500 people. The BigChilli asked him for an interview to try and unravel his secret of success. 

By Maxmilian Wechsler

Background
“I was born in 1964 in Israel and grew up in food and beverage, due to my family’s business. While I was later on focusing for more than two decades on retail, I never lost sight of the food and beverage industry and eventually returned to it.

“I originally went to Vietnam with the thought of slowing down my overall activities, but to enjoy an exciting  emerging market. I then recognized that I was not ready for some sort of retirement and sought for a new challenge and this was returning to my roots and my original passion, the food and beverage business. Vietnam, and in particular Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, quickly and successfully developed with three restaurants within not even two years and with that came the decision to develop the restaurant chain in Thailand as well. All El Gaucho restaurants are running under local companies of which I am the owner.”

Regarding his concept and design of the restaurants and connection to  Argentina, Mr Himi said: “It is my aim to establish the benchmark in Southeast Asia for a contemporary, specialized steakhouse concept. I am serving best quality products, pairing steakhouse classics with a modern approach and creating an overall high service, wine and dine experience in a down-to-earth environment with some playful details. 

“Argentina is an incredibly passionate country where food culture combining South American and European influences and in which beef is not only honoured but celebrated. This honouring for such a high-quality product and the celebration of it within a comforting environment is what my El Gaucho restaurants is about.

​​When asked about his staff and their training, Mr Himi said: ‘Employees should never be seen as a group, but with the understanding of the individual – individuals with different ambitions, backgrounds, educational levels. Running an operation with such a high number of employees is never easy, but with patience and most important, with guidance, training becomes part of our daily business.

​“As for our customers, I am very glad to see on a daily base the versatility of my guests in Vietnam and Thailand. Backpackers, families, business men, authorities, newlyweds, celebrities, regulars and tourists, locals and foreigners from all over the world in any age between 25 and 70. And this is exactly what I want an establishment that has its doors wide open for anybody who wants simply wants to enjoy a lovely dinner.

Despite the name, Mr Himi revealed that the chain purchases its meat from America and Australia because this is where the best available meat products are sourced. “We buy meat from selected farms in Victoria, New South Wales and individual farmers and ranchers in the United States. Most important for us is to ensure a consistent quality experience.”

Future plans
Mr Himi said he doesn’t follow any life motto or philosophy. His plans are to  continue to develop his restaurant chain with particular focus on Vietnam and Thailand and the optional development within new countries. “This year we are opening a new location on the coast of Vietnam, in Da Nang, as well as in Ho Chi Minh City. An additional location in Koh Samui will open  later this year and we are always having an additional location in Bangkok in mind.

“Southeast Asia is a very interesting and also exciting part of this world. I have lived and made business in many developing countries throughout my life and have learned to not only enjoy it, but to face challenges with thoughtfulness and patience. Developing countries, emerging markets, means to never stand still, but to be very patience at the same time.”

​www.elgaucho.asia

El Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse restaurants
Vietnam

• Opened in 2011 at Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). It had two floors, 196 square meters, 120 seats including outside terrace. The restaurant was replaced in 2014 to: 74 Hai Ba Trung, District 1, HCMC. It has four floors, 580 sqm, 220 seats including outside terrace.
• The restaurant was opened in 2011 at The Crescent, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, one floor, 170sqm, 120 seats and outside terrace. This restaurant was relocated in 2017 to: Unit CR1-U3, The Crescent, District 7, HCMC. It has two floors, 390 sqm, 210 seats including outside terrace.
• Another restaurant was opened in 2011 at 99 Xuan Dieu Street, West Lake District, Hanoi with four floors, 310 sqm, 150 seats and outside terrace. The restaurant was relocated in 2017 to: Lot G2, ground floor, Somerset West Point, No. 2 Tay Ho Street, West Lake District, Hanoi. It consists of one floor, 420 sqm, 160 seats including outside terrace.
• The fourth restaurant in Vietnam opened in 2013 at No. 11 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. It has two floors, 360 sqm, 150 seats including outside terrace. 

Thailand

• First restaurant opened in 2012 at Sukhumvit Soi 19, North Klong Toey, Bangkok. It consists of four floors, 1,200 sqm, 380 seats including outside terrace. 
• Opened in 2015 at 88/36 Sukhumvit Soi 55, Thonglor, North Klongton, Wattana, Bangkok. It has one floor, 320 sqm, 200 seats including outside terrace. 
• This restaurant opened in 2016 at 18 Sukhumvit Soi 11 (Mercure Hotel), North Klong Toey, Bangkok. It has one floor, 395 sqm, 130 seats including outside terrace. 
• Opened in 2016 at 162/8 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach Road, Surat Thani, Koh Samui. One floor, 220 sqm, 120 seats including outside terrace. 
• Opened last year on the 3rd floor, King Power Complex, 8/1 Rangnam Road, Phayathai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok. It has one floor, 300 sq m and 120 seats.
• Latest addition to El Gaucho opened this year at 245 Phrabaramee Road, Patong sub-district, Kathu district, Phuket province. It has two floors, 500 sqm, 150 seats including outside terrace.