Maxime Lejuez has built a career defined by precision, adaptability, and vision. As General Manager of Salvaje Group Dubai, which includes Salvaje, Arrogante, and Amor, he brings global experience to the city’s competitive F&B and nightlife scene. In this interview, he shares lessons from working with Alain Ducasse and Paul Bocuse, his approach to combining fine dining with entertainment, and his view on the future of Dubai’s hospitality industry.
- You’ve worked in Paris, London, New York, and Dubai. How has each city shaped your approach to guest experience?
In Paris, I learned the importance of attention to detail and deep product knowledge while working in five-star palace hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants. This experience shaped my vision of the industry.
In London, I learned to thrive in a fast-moving environment, becoming adaptable and open-minded. As one of the most culturally diverse cities, it taught me the importance of understanding and respecting differences.
In New York, I discovered the value of guest recognition and how to build strong networks and databases. I also realised the importance of engaging with guests on the floor and maximizing every interaction.
In Dubai, I have learned the significance of brand identity and marketing in shaping customer perceptions of a venue. By sharing values through social media content, we can build awareness, achieve milestones, and strengthen the brand’s presence.
- What lessons from working with icons like Alain Ducasse and Paul Bocuse do you still apply today?
Consistency is one of the key qualities you must have when working in a Michelin-star environment. The humility and determination I learned while working with these chefs continue to guide me throughout my career, helping to build a strong mindset and resilience.
- At Babylon in Dubai, you created an immersive dining and nightlife concept. How did that experience prepare you for Salvaje, Arrogante, and Amor?
That experience gave me a 360-degree vision of the business, more than any other venue I had worked in before. From lighting and sound systems to visual effects, I learned how to manage an entertainment team. It was a very valuable experience, especially in Dubai, where having a competitive entertainment offering is essential.
- How do you balance luxury dining with vibrant nightlife across these venues?
At Salvaje Group Dubai, we aim to seamlessly blend fine dining with entertainment, creating a multi-layered experience for our guests. International DJs, dancers, musicians, flash mobs, advanced lighting systems, and 3D screen content have all been integrated to add value and elevate the Salvaje Dubai experience.
- In such a competitive Dubai scene, what makes Salvaje, Arrogante, and Amor stand out?
Our greatest strength lies in having a multi-venue location in the heart of Downtown Dubai, right next to the iconic Burj Khalifa. This allows us to offer guests a diverse range of F&B experiences within one destination, from the vibrant Japanese fusion of Salvaje, to the elegant Italian flair of Arrogante, and the private speakeasy nightlife of Amor. Together, these venues complement each other, creating guest retention and natural cross-promotion. Guests who come for dinner at one venue are often inspired to explore the others, which builds loyalty and enhances our overall brand presence in a highly competitive market.
- What’s your leadership philosophy when it comes to building and motivating high-performing teams?
Dedication, attention to detail, consistency, and emotional maturity are key qualities that we strive to promote within our team culture.
- How do you ensure consistency while giving each venue its own identity?
Consistency is achieved through the quality of our visual content, a strong F&B offering, and prioritising guest experience across all venues. While each concept has its own distinct identity, the attention to detail and the intensity of our efforts remain the same.
- Where do you see Dubai’s dining and nightlife heading in the next few years, and how are you preparing for it?
Dubai’s market is a true trendsetter. We are already seeing some venues begin to implement virtual reality, while others are using drones and high-definition screens. I believe technology will play an even bigger role in the future than it does today. For the new generation, dining out may become less about simply socializing and more about enjoying a fully sensorial experience.
- Outside of work, boxing and reading inspire you. How do these passions influence your leadership style?
Boxing brings me stillness and focus. It teaches me discipline and consistency, which I apply on a daily basis to become a better version of myself.
Reading, on the other hand, elevates the spirit and offers an escape from daily routines. Most of my spiritual knowledge has come from books, and I believe reading is essential to opening the mind beyond the demands of our busy world.
