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The popular ones You are less the restaurant proves that “white glove” service is possible at scale.
Dara Mirjahangiry is hospitality veteran and owner/managing partner of New York Asian Fusion hotspot Sei Less. The restaurant became a reality after a chance conversation between Mirjahangiry and the then Brooklyn Nets player Kevin Durant. “He (Durant) was like, you know, we need a club in New York. After the game, somewhere I can go and feel like it's almost like a membership club for the culture,” Dara Mirjahangiry told host Restaurant Influencers. Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media.
These words ignited Mirjahangiry. Sei Less promptly opened in New York City in January 2022 and has been a staple of New York's fine dining scene ever since.
Sharing on social media
Before the digital revolution of the 2000s, Mirjahangiry relied on the person-to-person networks that were available before social media. And when social media technology emerged, he learned it was a powerful way to improve interactions and build brands. He used that knowledge to build his own brand after doing so successfully for other restaurants.
“I've built my following, I've built a brand for myself. And that's really what networking is all about,” says Mirjahangiry. “It's just being able to connect the dots.”
Those connections became the foundation for Sei Less's client base, which has grown to include some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment and music, including Cardi B and 50 Cent.
Dara Mirjahangiry's commitment to hospitality excellence extends to creating white-glove experiences for its diverse clientele. “It starts with food,” he explains. “Giving them an outlet where we have private dining rooms, and somewhere they can come and feel comfortable.”
Beyond eating
As the business grows and more work is done within the walls of Sei Less, Mirjahangiry has recognized the potential of having an all-inclusive space. Specifically, he wants to create an avenue for media efforts.
He and his partners are at the forefront of podcasting ventures and aim to create a curated hub for content enthusiasts, providing a platform for diverse voices and topics. “I see the opportunity, in terms of the entrepreneur in me and the business side of things, to really curate the podcast,” says Mirjahangiry.
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“We have some media partners, some technology partners, that definitely see the value in what we do. We have the ability to drive traffic to some podcasts.”
With an entrepreneurial spirit and a keen eye for innovation, Dara Mirjahangiry is helping to fuse the hospitality and media landscape. His unwavering commitment to excellence, along with his ability to make meaningful connections, set him apart as a pioneer in the industry.
“I think the beauty of what we do at Sei Less is really bringing together people from different walks of life who have common interests.”
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