EXCLUSIVE “EXCEPTIONAL MEET & GREET” BETWEEN VCRE AND LEGACY NOBU FOUNDERS

On June 18, 2024, by special invitation from Viet Capital Real Estate (VCRE), Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper – the legendary founders of Nobu Hospitality – arrived in Vietnam to participate in a series of exclusive events with the press, invited guests, and top experts in various fields in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to VCRE, Vietnam is one of the few Asian countries to host all three famous founders of Nobu Hospitality. Alongside the Hollywood veteran actor Robert De Niro, legendary chef Nobu (Nobuyuki Matsuhisa) is currently the most renowned Asian chef in the world. Meanwhile, businessman Meir Teper has made a significant mark as a veteran producer of notable films such as From Dusk Till Dawn and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.

The three founders of Nobu: Hollywood veteran actor Robert De Niro (center), legendary chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa (second from left), and businessman Meir Teper (second from right) – Source: VCRE

In a setting inspired by the image of “dawn” and the Hollywood red carpet, the highlight of the “Connecting Excellence – Meeting with Nobu Hospitality Founders” event was the open and natural exchanges between Mr. Henry Nguyen, Chairman of Phoenix Holdings, and the founders of Nobu. From intriguing stories about the formation of the Nobu empire to the serendipitous partnership with VCRE, the discussion opened up new expectations for the development of the branded residences market in Vietnam with truly luxurious experiences.

In 1994, the first Nobu restaurant opened in Tribeca, marking the collaboration between Matsuhisa, De Niro, and Meir Teper – a renowned Hollywood producer at the time. The common thread among these exceptional individuals is their talent, capability, extensive relationships, and passion for building and developing a new brand.

Today, Nobu is not just a chain of 77 restaurants, 40 hotels, or 12 premium branded residences projects, but a global lifestyle icon, with a fervent fan base and an investment portfolio spanning five continents.

According to legendary chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the combination of Japanese and Peruvian flavors creates an unforgettable culinary experience at the chain of superstar restaurants. Learning how to use spices and combining traditional Japanese cuisine with Peruvian ingredients means bringing new cultural colors to classic dishes. In Nobu’s person and recipes, one can easily see the deep love for Peru, alongside the ingredients and cooking techniques. In 2017, the Peruvian government awarded him the title “Amigo del Perú” for his efforts in globally promoting Peruvian cuisine, a place he considers his second home.

Additionally, the philosophy of “Kokoro – Sincerity” has become the guiding principle for all areas where Nobu and his brand operate. Treating customers like family, Nobu creates exclusive and private experiences, where each guest is cared for comprehensively in Body, Mind, and Spirit, ensuring absolute satisfaction and fulfillment.

For Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, business is as vibrant a facet of their lives as the cinematic achievements both have attained throughout their careers. The success of Nobu is a testament to the enduring value of knowledge, character, and practical experience within a “celebrity” model often associated with million-dollar assets or star status. Not just business partners, they have truly become friends, pursuing a shared dream for over 30 years.

The collaboration between Nobu Hospitality and VCRE in developing Nobu Danang – the first Nobu Residences project in Southeast Asia – and Nobu Ho Chi Minh City – Nobu’s 40th global restaurant and hotel complex – is also seen as one of the “fruits” of the Vietnam-US relationship, enhancing business ties between enterprises of the two nations, according to the White House.

Mr. Henry Nguyen stated that besides pursuing the boutique real estate model, creating inspired and unique living spaces, VCRE always aims to create premium spaces that transcend Vietnam’s borders while building iconic destinations in the most developed regions and cities.

According to legendary chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the combination of Japanese and Peruvian flavors creates an unforgettable culinary experience at these superstar restaurants.

“The approach we choose involves unique designs that carry more meaning than mere aesthetic appeal. It’s refined luxury that meets practical needs, making every experience worthwhile, with the best solutions across all segments” said the leader of Phoenix Holdings.

Mr. Vo Thanh Lam, CEO of VCRE, affirmed that real estate is not just an investment, but a way to enrich our lives. Why did VCRE – a dynamic real estate developer – choose the Nobu brand for its prime location project?

“We are not just developers; we are also managers and craftsmen who create vibrant and inspiring spaces for generations of Vietnamese to come. We chose to partner with Nobu because their brand story inspires core values that are not focused on superficial appearances but are constantly affirmed by the deep connections of their elite clientele” Mr. Lam shared.

Commenting on the development of the branded residences market, Mr. Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality, stated that the core of this real estate type is the synergy of multiple factors. Nobu focuses on its foundational values such as food quality, attentive service, and breathtaking views at prime locations to create perfect experiences, realizing the concept of “worthwhile” in the most authentic and complete way.\

Mr. Trevor believes that Nobu, in general, and Nobu Danang, in particular, aim to create meaningful and lasting connections with customers based on sincerity. These elite residents are not just seeking material wealth but are also pursuing enriching life experiences that completely align with their values.

Following Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang will be the next destination for the founders, along with the project launch event attended by numerous strategic partners and guests in Vietnam’s most livable city.

Nobu Hospitality is one of the 25 most innovative luxury brands according to Robb Report. The natural growth of Nobu Hospitality is built on the quality of hotel, restaurant, and residential management services for unique projects worldwide. Since the opening of the first Nobu hotel in 2013 in Las Vegas, the brand has 39 hotels in operation or under development. Nobu hotels are now located in Manila, Miami Beach, Malibu, Shoreditch (London), Ibiza, Palo Alto, Marbella, Los Cabos, Barcelona, Warsaw, Chicago, Portman Square (London), Santorini, Atlanta, Marrakech, Sevilla, San Sebastian, and Atlantic City. Additionally, many Nobu hotel projects are underway in Rome, Madrid, Toronto, Abu Dhabi, New Orleans, Barbuda, Tel Aviv, Hamburg, Punta Cana, Orlando, Danang, Tulum, Bangkok, Al Khobar, Al Marjan Island, Lisbon, New York, Cairo, North Coast Egypt, São Paulo, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Mr. Trevor believes that Nobu, in general, and Nobu Danang, in particular, aim to create meaningful and lasting connections with customers based on sincerity.