| | 8 HOSPITALITY BUSINESS REVIEWMARCH - APRIL 2026IN MY OPINIONHOSPITALITY SHAPED BY PEOPLE AND VALUESBy Neilos Prapas, Director of Food & Beverage, Ace Hotel & Swim Club AthensNeilos Prapas, Director of Food and Beverage at Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens, brings extensive experience across hospitality operations and management. He is a collaborative leader who excels in building strong client relationships and driving team success to ensure high customer satisfaction.Key Experiences behind Leadership My journey began on the restaurant floor, working face-to-face with guests. That early exposure to real-time service taught me that hospitality is human. It's about presence, empathy, and the smallest gestures. As I moved into leadership, I realized that the same applies to managing teams. People don't just want direction they want to feel seen, supported, and part of something meaningful.A key turning point was leading a hotel opening where I had to build the Food and Beverage team from the ground up. It taught me that culture eats strategy every time. Now, my leadership approach is built on trust, collaboration, and the ideas that when people feel empowered, they deliver experiences that go beyond expectations.The Power of Collaboration Working both on the floor and behind the scenes gave me a holistic understanding of the guest journey. I learned that consistency doesn't happen by accident, it's the result of countless micro-decisions and real-time communication between teams. Whether it's a perfectly timed greeting or a beautifully plated dish, details matter. But more than that, relationships matter.I focus on creating an internal culture where collaboration flows between the kitchens, bar, service, and events, so that everyone feels ownership. That sense of connection shows in how we treat guests. It's not about service that's robotic, it's about service that feels personal, intuitive, and real.Sustainability as a StandardSustainability and local sourcing are no longer trends. They are expectations. Today's guests are mindful of where their food comes from, how it's made, and what impact it has. At Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens, we see this as an opportunity to tell richer stories through our menus, our sourcing partnerships, and even our waste practices. Working with local farmers and producers allows us to build menus with integrity and flavor, while supporting the surrounding community. But sustainability isn't just about ingredients it's Neilos Prapas
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