NIPO appoints general manager ahead of launch

Newcastle’s new Japanese-Brazilian restaurant NIPO has appointed Goran Natev as general manager ahead of its Quayside opening later this month.

Goran brings extensive experience from London’s premium hospitality sector, including helping to launch Sophie’s Steakhouse on Fulham Road in Chelsea and spending more than a decade at Elistano.

His career has also included a role at Camilla Fayed’s Farmacy and helping to open the first Ocean Basket restaurant in London.

At NIPO, Goran will lead the restaurant’s team and oversee its service and guest experience, drawing on his background working with high-profile clientele and developing hospitality teams.

He said: “NIPO is something genuinely different for Newcastle, and I’m incredibly excited to be joining the team at such an important stage in its journey.

“My experience in London has given me a real appreciation for restaurants that understand every part of the guest experience, from the food and drinks through to service, atmosphere and attention to detail.

“There is a huge amount of energy around NIPO already, and our focus now is on bringing the team together, investing in training and making sure every element of the experience is where we want it to be. 

“We’re looking forward to welcoming guests and showcasing what NIPO is all about.”

Created by the team behind RIO Brazilian Steakhouse, NIPO will combine Japanese cooking techniques with Brazilian flavours and hospitality.

Its menu will feature a live sushi station, robata-style cooking and flame-cooked Brazilian specialities, complemented by Japanese-Brazilian inspired cocktails and a curated wine selection.

Rodrigo Grassi Duarte, co-founder of NIPO, added: “Now, with the opening date confirmed and Goran joining us as general manager, we’re entering a really exciting final stage.

“We already have a wealth of experience within the NIPO team and a strong understanding of what it takes to create exceptional hospitality. 

“Goran brings another level of expertise from London’s restaurant scene, and his experience and reputation for delivering outstanding customer experiences will elevate what we have already built as we bring NIPO to life.”

The restaurant will hold a VIP launch event on September 22 before officially opening to the public on September 23.

Howard Eggleston, co-founder of NIPO, added: “NIPO has been created with a very clear ambition to build a distinctive hospitality brand that can stand on its own and ultimately travel well beyond Newcastle.

“Opening in Newcastle is an important first step for us. 

“It’s a city with a strong and increasingly ambitious food and hospitality scene, and we see the Quayside as the perfect setting to introduce NIPO to the market. 

“September 23 is not just the opening of a restaurant; it’s the beginning of the NIPO journey.”

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