The Managing Partners behind Bottega Amaro, Istorja Café and more share the recipe of their success

In an ever-shifting landscape where trends often fade as quickly as they appear, Amaro Hospitality Group has, since its establishment in 2017, aimed to chart a different course—one grounded in soul, substance, and slow-burning elegance.

Pavlos Kyriacou and Stylianos Petsas, Co-Founders and Managing Partners of Amaro Hospitality Group are planning to shape a new narrative for hospitality in Cyprus – one that prizes authenticity, emotional resonance and timeless experience over fleeting spectacle.

“Hospitality is all about the hard work of creating fun and enjoyment,” says Pavlos Kyriacou.

That may sound simple but behind it lies deep thought, care and an unshakeable commitment to substance. At its heart is Enlightened Hospitality, a concept pioneered by American restaurateur Danny Meyer. “It emphasises prioritising the wellbeing of our team members and fostering a culture where employees feel valued and empowered. By focusing on our staff’s happiness and growth, we create an environment where genuine care and personalised service are naturally extended to our guests,” Kyriacou explains. “This philosophy differentiates us in a competitive industry, as it leads to authentic connections and exquisite experiences that resonate with our clientele.”

This people-first approach runs like a quiet thread through each of the Group’s venues. It is found in the meticulous layers of the sourdough at Qboo Bakehouse; in the serene stillness of Istorja Café, born from its slow-living, holistic philosophy; in the knowing rhythm of weekend nights at Bottega Amaro, where classic dishes have been served with reverence, consistently day in day out for the last eight years.

Partnership with the Switz Group

Amaro’s partnership with the Switz Group – a family-run global enterprise operating in over a dozen markets, with more than 5,000 employees and annual revenues exceeding $600 million – brings scale, structure and alignment for bringing world class Hospitality to Cyprus with a view to the region.

“Switz Group’s investment in Amaro Hospitality Group was motivated by its belief in the growth potential of the Cypriot market. It sought trusted partners capable of evaluating, recommending and expanding existing and potential investments on the island,” says Petsas. “This alliance brings not only financial support but also a wealth of international experience, allowing us to accelerate our growth while staying true to our identity. Together, we’re exploring new formats, entering new markets and building a more robust infrastructure to support our long term vision.”

Unlike many in the industry, Amaro hasn’t been chasing the next big trend. Instead, it’s cultivating something far more elusive: trust, familiarity and memory. “Over the years, we’ve evolved by refining – not reinventing – what we do: elevating quality, deepening our attention to detail and offering experiences that feel personal, thoughtful and consistent across all our concepts,” Kyriacou says. “Rather than chasing momentary trends, we’re in it for the long run – with tenacity and perseverance at the core of our culture.”

Italian-American comfort cuisine and mindful baking

Take Bottega Amaro. What began as a restaurant offering high-quality Italian-American comfort cuisine has evolved into a full evening destination with a curated DJ line-up at weekends, a bar service focused on timeless classic drinks and an ambience that feels equal parts elegant and alive. And then there’s Istorja – the café and concept store that feels like an ode to slow living. “It’s always been holistic, always been intentional,” says Kyriacou. “Long before wellness became a trend.”

At Qboo Bakehouse, the concept of mindful baking continues to lead. “Qboo didn’t simply follow the wellness wave – it helped shape it. Its philosophy is simple: quality over shortcuts and substance over spectacle. Our evolving selection, including gluten-free options and specialty loaves, continues to meet the needs of conscious consumers seeking products that are both nourishing and full of character.”

Confidence in the Aigaion brand

A significant strategic milestone for the Group was the recent acquisition of the property that houses the Aigaion Taverna in Nicosia. “We have been working on this deal for quite some time, having foreseen the gentrification of the Old City and due to our commitment to and confidence in the Aigaion brand and its role and value within our portfolio,” says Petsas. “We are now in the planning phase for a major refresh and renewal of the space itself and the concept – we aim to maintain, strengthen and upgrade the taverna while introducing fresh concepts that will further enhance Aigaion House along the same lines that we did with FishBar and the Istorja Concept Store.”

This mirrors their view of Cyprus itself – a hospitality market in flux but rich with potential. “The hospitality sector in Cyprus is in the midst of a transitional period, shaped by both ongoing challenges and new opportunities. Rising operational costs, a saturated mid-market segment, seasonality pressures and staffing shortages continue to place pressure on operators,” Petsas admits but goes on to say, “At the same time, there is a growing demand for more refined, consistent and emotionally resonant experiences – offering room for those who are willing to lead with intention and quality.”

Investment in year-round venues

A recent strategic decision that reflects the Group’s mindset was the sale of Riva Beach House. “Although it had experienced its most successful season to date, we recognised that focusing on year-round venues would better serve our long-term direction,” he explains. “This allows us to invest more deeply into projects that foster continuity, community and elevated guest experiences throughout the year – qualities that we believe will define the next chapter of hospitality in Cyprus.”

Tailored, not trendy

Amaro’s approach to private dining reflects its wider philosophy: tailored, not trendy. “Private dining at Amaro Hospitality is approached with the same care and detail that define all our venues. Each event is curated to reflect the preferences and vision of the guest, while remaining rooted in the culinary philosophy and aesthetic of our Group,” says Petsas. “Rather than reinventing who we are for each occasion, we listen closely, adapt thoughtfully and create menus that feel both personal and true to our identity. It’s about striking the right balance – offering something tailored and memorable without ever compromising the essence of quality, simplicity and refinement that our guests expect from us.”

This balance is evident across the Group’s portfolio. Each venue is distinct, yet unmistakably Amaro. So what comes next? Kyriacou doesn’t hesitate. “We really do feel that we are just getting started,” he says. “These first eight years have allowed us to set the tone, establish our culture and brand identity and create a loyal dedicated clientele and team. These years – including the challenges of COVID-19 – have taught us a lot. We didn’t just manage to sustain the business; more importantly, we have continued to grow under what have been very unfavourable conditions for the Hospitality sector, particularly in Nicosia. We have established ourselves as a point of reference, both in terms of the high quality and the distinct offerings we’ve introduced to the market, as well as geographically in the heart of Nicosia. As we see the newly developed city centre take shape, we anticipate dynamic growth both for the city itself and, by extension, for our Group.”

Boutique accommodation and wellness spaces

Plans are underway for boutique accommodation and wellness spaces – projects that reflect the Group’s affinity for intimacy and substance. “Additionally, we are investigating new formats such as ghost kitchens and curated retail experiences to diversify our offerings and reach a broader audience” says Kyriacou. “A key component of our growth strategy is deepening our focus on training and culture across our team, ensuring that as we expand, we maintain the exceptional standards and distinctive identity that define Amaro Hospitality Group. Every move is intentional – we want to grow without ever diluting what makes us special. Stay tuned. There’s a lot more to come!”

(Photo by TADOBI)

This interview first appeared in the April edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.