In a landmark event that brought Hollywood glamour to Vietnam, the esteemed founders of Nobu Hospitality, culinary maestro Nobu Matsuhisa, legendary actor Robert De Niro, and acclaimed film producer Meir Teper, graced Ho Chi Minh City on June 18, 2024. Hosted by Viet Capital Real Estate (VCRE), these iconic figures engaged in a series of exclusive meetings and discussions with leading local industry experts, setting the stage for significant future developments in Vietnam's luxury hospitality and real estate markets.
VIETNAM WELCOMES NOBU’S ICONIC TRIO
Vietnam stands out as one of the select few Asian countries to welcome all the iconic founders of Nobu Hospitality. Joining De Niro were globally acclaimed chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa and noted film producer Meir Teper, known for cinematic hits like “From Dusk Till Dawn” and “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.”
A RED CARPET AFFAIR
Themed around the rising sun and Hollywood's red carpet, the “Press Conference – The Exceptional Meets and Greets” event featured a riveting panel discussion with Mr. Henry Nguyen, Chairman of Phoenix Holdings, and the Nobu founders. The discussion offered insights into the Nobu empire’s journey and potential partnership opportunities with VCRE, along with expectations for new developments in Vietnam's branded residences market.
THE NOBU EMPIRE: A LEGACY OF UNPARALLELED HOSPITALITY
The Nobu legacy began in 1994 with the opening of the first restaurant in Tribeca, a collaboration between Matsuhisa, De Niro, and Teper. Today, Nobu is a global lifestyle icon with 77 restaurants, 41 hotels, and 12 luxury real estate projects across five continents.
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa attributes Nobu’s culinary success to the fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. This unique blend earned him the title "Amigo del Perú" from the Peruvian government in 2017 for his efforts to promote Peruvian cuisine globally. The philosophy of “Kokoro – Sincerity” underpins all Nobu operations, ensuring guests receive holistic care for Body, Mind, and Spirit.
For De Niro and Teper, business ventures are as dynamic as their film careers. Their enduring partnership and shared dream over 30 years exemplify the profound value of their combined knowledge and experience.
NEXT STOP: DANANG
Following their engagements in Ho Chi Minh City, the Nobu founders will travel to Danang to launch a new project with strategic partners in Vietnam’s most livable city.
Nobu Hospitality’s collaboration with VCRE will bring Nobu Danang, Southeast Asia’s first Nobu Residences project, and Nobu Ho Chi Minh City, Nobu’s 40th global restaurant and hotel complex, to life. This partnership enhances business ties between Vietnam and the US, reflecting the strength of international collaboration.
Mr. Henry Nguyen emphasized VCRE’s dedication to creating premium properties that transcend Vietnam’s borders, while Mr. Vo Thanh Lam, General Manager of VCRE, highlighted Nobu’s alignment with their core values and elite customer base.
Mr. Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality, stressed that Nobu Danang aims to foster meaningful and lasting connections with customers, focusing on enriching life experiences aligned with their values. Savills’ 2023 research underscores Danang’s prime position for branded residences, with international branded projects commanding significantly higher prices and occupancy rates than domestic ones.
NOBU HOSPITALITY: A GLOBAL ICON
Nobu Hospitality, ranked among the 25 most innovative luxury brands by Robb Report, has grown from its first hotel in Las Vegas in 2013 to 39 hotels worldwide. Nobu’s properties are located in premier destinations like Manila, Miami Beach, Malibu, Shoreditch (London), Ibiza, Palo Alto, Marbella, Los Cabos, Barcelona, Warsaw, Chicago, and Portman Square (London), among others. New 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.
Nobu Hospitality continues to redefine luxury and hospitality, offering an unparalleled blend of exceptional service, culinary excellence, and iconic lifestyle experiences worldwide.