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Popular Sayles This restaurant proves that “white glove” service is possible even on a large scale.
Dara Mirjahangiri is a hospitality industry veteran and owner and managing partner of Say Less, the popular New York Asian fusion restaurant founded by Mirjahangiri and then-Brooklyn Nets player Kevin Durant. “He (Durant) said he wanted a clubhouse in New York, a place to go after the game that felt like a members-only club for culture,” Dara Mirjahangiri told the Restaurant Influencers host. Shawn Walsheff From Cali BBQ Media.
Those words inspired Mirjahangiri. Say Less opened in New York City in January 2022 and has since become a fixture on the city’s fine dining scene.
Social Media Storytelling
Before the digital revolution of the 2000s, Mirjahangiri relied on person-to-person networking before the advent of social media. When social media technology emerged, he found it a powerful way to strengthen connections and build a brand. After his success with other restaurants, he leveraged that knowledge to build his own brand.
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“I grew my following and built my brand, and that’s what networking is all about,” Mirjahangiri says. “It’s the ability to connect the dots.”
These connections became the foundation of Sei Less’s customer base, which has grown to include some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment and music, including Cardi B and 50 Cent.
Dara Mirjahangiri’s commitment to hospitality excellence extends to providing the best experience for his diverse patrons. “It starts with the food,” he explains. “By having private dining rooms and giving guests a place to feel at home.”
Beyond Food
As the business grows and more work takes place within Say Less, Mirjahangiri realised the potential of having an inclusive space – specifically, he wants to create an avenue for media work.
He and his partners are spearheading a foray into the podcast space, aiming to create a curated hub for content lovers and provide a platform for diverse voices and topics. “From my entrepreneurial and business perspective, I see an opportunity to really curate podcasts,” Mirjahangiri says.
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“We have media partners and technology partners who obviously see the value in what we’re doing. We have the ability to drive traffic to some of our podcasts.”
With an entrepreneurial spirit and a keen sense of innovation, Dara Mirjahangiry is instrumental in the intersection of hospitality and media. His unwavering commitment to excellence and ability to forge meaningful connections has set him apart as a pioneer in the industry.
“I think the beauty of what we do at Say Less is that it brings together people from different disciplines who have a common interest.”
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