“Most of the people that apply come because they need to work. If you are not driven by passion, don’t come and work for this kind of industry because it is long hours, a lot of headaches. It is all about the love you put in that keeps you doing it.”
Being a good teacher is key to driving that passion. About 6-7 of his students are working as chefs in hotels across Dubai.
“It’s a great achievement to be able to pass on your knowledge to people,” he says.
While his career highlight has been being able to be part of the Atlantis opening he believes there are many more to come.
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“Today, having my name on the window of the store is a something I feel thrilled about. I never expected I would have my own shop in Dubai – one of the major cities in the world,” he says.
“Even though we are a little remote, I believe in the future we will have a chain of cafes in Dubai. This is more of our showcase and production but we are looking to expand into Jumeirah and other areas.”
Responding to whether he hopes to have conquered other areas in the region over the next five years, Clair says jokingly: “I hope so otherwise I quit!”
“We are fully operational today for exporting, we are definitely looking at opportunities in Qatar and Saudi, but one step at a time, we want to move smartly,” he says. But he’s keeping open-minded to whatever opportunities may arise in future.
“I think now is the time to settle down. I don’t know – say if somebody comes along tomorrow and says ‘ok we will buy you out and make a chain’ - I’ll say ‘ok let’s go!’
“You have to be open to opportunity. Pascal Clair is flexible, even more flexible than bamboo,” he says.
If you want to be successful you have to go more in that direction rather than just focus on what you want to sell.”
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